Impact of culture on the experience of panic symptoms in Arab and Australian patients at a psychology clinic

Abstract

To offer optimal psychological treatment, psychologists need to understand patients' own perceptions of their psychological problems, a task that is more challenging if the psychologist and patient are of different cultural backgrounds. This study examined differences in the symptom descriptions and treatment outcomes of panic disorder patients of Arabic and Australian backgrounds attending a psychological treatment facility. Arab patients were found to express more fear of dying and experience less sweating during panic attacks compared to the Australian patients. Treatment outcomes were similar across the two groups at 2-month follow-up, although not immediately after treatment. Limitations of the study that may potentially have affected this unexpected outcome are discussed, although it appears that any cultural differences are not impediments to the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy.