Respiratory training prior to exposure in vivo in the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia

1990 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin de Beurs ◽  
Alfred Lange ◽  
Richard Van Dijck ◽  
Pieter Koele
1995 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin de Beurs ◽  
Alfred Lange ◽  
Pieter Koele ◽  
Richard van Dyck

Thirty-two patients suffering from panic disorder with agoraphobia were treated with repeated hyperventilation provocations and respiratory training, followed by exposure in vivo. The treatment was evaluated with a comprehensive set of outcome measures, including self-report questionnaires, a multitask behavioural avoidance test and continuous monitoring of panic. The treatment was found effective for the majority of patients in diminishing the frequency of panic attacks and agoraphobic avoidance. The clinical relevance of the treatment effect was evidenced by the considerable number of patients that recovered. The effect of the treatment was sustained over a three and six month follow-up period. The prognostic value of a number of variables for treatment outcome was also investigated. Three variables accounted for the majority of the variance in treatment outcome: a higher pretreatment level of agoraphobic complaints, use of psychotropic medication and a longer duration of the disorder were associated with poorer outcome. Other variables, such as the therapeutic relationship and the quality of the marital bond, had no prognostic value.


1991 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Merckelbach ◽  
Peter de Jong ◽  
Arnoud Arntz

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document