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Intensive behavioral therapy for agoraphobia.

Authors :
Knuts IJ
Esquivel G
Overbeek T
Schruers KR
Source :
Journal of affective disorders [J Affect Disord] 2015 Mar 15; Vol. 174, pp. 19-22. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Nov 25.
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Background: We investigated the efficacy of an intensive 1-week behavioral therapy program focusing on agoraphobia for panic disorder patients with agoraphobia (PDA).<br />Design and Methods: The study design was a case-control study. Main outcome measure was the agoraphobia score of the Fear Questionnaire (FQ-AGO). The outcomes on the FQ-AGO of a 1-week intensive therapy (96 patients) and a twice-weekly therapy (98 patients) were compared.<br />Results: Agoraphobia improved significantly in both groups, 1 week and 3 months after therapy. Effect size for changes in the 1-week intensive therapy on the FQ-AGO was 0.75.<br />Limitations: Limitations are use of antidepressants, no placebo group, and no long term follow-up.<br />Conclusion: Behavioral therapy for agoraphobia can be shortened significantly if intensified without affecting therapy outcome, thus allowing patients a more rapid return to work and resumption of daily activities.<br /> (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1573-2517
Volume :
174
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of affective disorders
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
25479049
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2014.11.029