Date of Submission
2014
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology
First Advisor
Beverly White, PsyD, Chairperson
Second Advisor
Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP
Third Advisor
Jesus Salas, PsyD
Abstract
Panic attacks, the key symptom of panic disorder and an associated feature of various anxiety disorders, are extremely distressing events that can negatively impact an individual’s mental health, physical health, and quality of life. This study validated a brief treatment for panic attacks, designed to reduce the frequency of panic attacks after the first session, in an outpatient clinical population. One participant was recruited to participate in this single case experimental ABA design with follow-up, where a reversal was not expected, due to the maintenance of positive effects. The treatment included both cognitive and behavioral techniques. The results were analyzed using simulation modeling analysis, as well as visual analysis. This treatment produced clinically significant effects by reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks, reducing symptoms of anxiety and panic, decreasing the frequency of cognitive distortions, and increasing the level of functioning. Additionally, these gains were maintained at a 3- month follow-up. It is hoped that this intervention can help clinicians treat panic disorder and improve their effectiveness and efficiency by reducing the time needed to significantly decrease panic attacks. It is also hoped that this intervention might be expanded for use with other panic-related anxiety disorders. Finally, it is possible that this study will encourage efforts toward briefer treatments for other disorders.
Recommended Citation
Daniels, Benjamin N., "Testing a Brief Treatment to Reduce the Frequency of Panic Attacks in a Clinical Outpatient Population" (2014). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 291.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/291