Physical Activity and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Panic Disorder

The Influence of Physical Activity on the Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Neurobiological Parameters and Information Processing in Patients With Panic Disorder With/Without Agoraphobia

Physical activity (treadmill) supports the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy in patients with panic disorder with/without agoraphobia

Patients undergo cognitive behavioural therapy consisting of 8 group sessions within 1 month. All patients additionally complete a training of physical activity, which starts simultaneously to therapy and runs for 8 weeks (3 times/week, 30 minutes each). Half of the patients complete training on a treadmill while the other half completes a training programme of low intensity physical activity without cardiovascular activation.

Flanking EEG (electroencephalogram) recordings shall help clarify biological processes underlying the therapeutical process.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subject familiarized with experimental procedure and had given written informed consent
2. Diagnosis of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV)
3. Sufficiently able to communicate with investigator, answer questions and fill in questionnaires
4. Reachability of patient for treatment and follow-up

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Other psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia, substance abuse or severe depressive episode
2. Acute suicidal tendency
3. Epilepsy or other illness of the central nervous system (e.g. brain tumor, encephalitis)
4. Existence of contraindication against physical exercise
5. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
6. Changes of psychopharmacological treatment within the last 4 weeks