New Hope for a Disabling Condition Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches to Panic Disorder

Panic disorder, which encompasses both biological and psychological dimensions, is a common anxiety-related problem that can result in significant disability. Cognitive-behavioral approaches to panic disorder are effective in 70% to 80% of patients treated, and generally involve a combination of patient education, relaxation training, exposure, and cognitive restructuring. Mental health nurses can benefit their panic disorder patients by becoming aware of cognitive-behavioral treatment options, and should consider adding these methods to their repertoire of therapeutic skills.