Guided and Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Protocol for Resistant Panic

Effectiveness of the Guided and Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Protocol in a Patient With Treatment-resistant Panic Disorder

Self-guided therapy for anxiety disorders has focused on various cognitive-behavioral treatments mediated by technologies such as web applications. This study aims to compare two groups of patients with panic disorder undergoing two clinical psychological treatment models: one traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the other self-guided CBT using a digital application.

An application was developed in which both treatment models follow the same eight-session CBT manual. Patients are evaluated using psychological assessments at the first and eighth sessions.

The study includes 46 patients divided into two groups of 23 participants each. Both groups undergo individual assessments at the beginning and end of the treatment protocol.

As such, an application was developed whereby the two models follow the same treatment manual of eight sessions, with the patients being evaluated using psychological tests at the first and eighth sessions.

Methods: A total of 46 patients were separated into two groups of 23 patients, one in each format, with the patients in both groups being individually evaluated at their first and eighth sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing IPUB screening through the panic and respiratory laboratory outpatient clinic.
• Diagnosis of panic disorder confirmed.
• Age between 18 and 60 years.
• Under psychiatric follow-up by a university psychiatrist and taking medication.
• Provide written informed consent to participate and have data stored.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients without a diagnosis of panic disorder.
• Age under 18 or over 60 years.
• Not undergoing psychiatric follow-up.
• Presence of other psychiatric or medical diagnoses.