Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies to Manage Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a debilitating manifestation of anxiety characterized by frequent panic attacks and intermittent worry about the consequences and meaning of future episodes of panic. Several evidence-based treatment strategies have been identified for panic disorder, which are theorized to ameliorate symptoms by targeting cognitive-behavioral mechanisms. In this review, the following treatment components are reviewed: psychoeducation, interoceptive exposure, in vivo exposure, cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, and mindfulness strategies. The greatest amount of empirical support has been found for interoceptive exposures and cognitive restructuring, whereas relaxation techniques appear to be associated with poorer outcomes.