Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Panic Disorder in Adolescence

Abstract

This investigation represents the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Panic Control Treatment for Adolescents (PCT-A). Thirteen adolescents, ages 14 to 17, were randomized to 11 weekly sessions of PCT-A treatment, whereas 13 were randomized to a self-monitoring control group. Results indicate that adolescents receiving immediate PCT-A showed a significant reduction in clinician-rated severity of panic disorder and in self-reported anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, and depression, in comparison to control group participants. These treatment gains were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Clinical severity of panic continued to improve from posttreatment to 3-month follow-up and then remained stable at 6-month follow-up. In light of study limitations, these findings suggest that cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder in adolescence is a feasible and potentially efficacious intervention for this debilitating condition in youth.

Notes

Note. Effect of treatment was estimated using analysis of covariance predicting posttreatment score with pretreatment score included as a covariate. PCT–A = Panic Control Treatment for Adolescents; CSR = Clinician Severity Rating; CASI = Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index; MASC = Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children; CDI = Children's Depression Inventory.

^a n = 13.

^b n = 12.

*p < .05. **p < .01.

Note. n = 25. Means with different subscripts represent statistically significant differences. CSR = Clinician Severity Rating; CASI = Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index; MASC = Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children; CDI = Children's Depression Inventory.

Sarah W. Whitton is now at the University of Cincinnati.