A Review of Panic Disorder and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

One mental health issue that impacts people’s social and professional functioning is panic disorder (PD). Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating PD, making it a well-known intervention technique in the field of mental health. CBT integrates cognitive strategies and behavioral interventions in the treatment of PD and fosters more adaptive cognitive patterns by challenging negative automatic thoughts, thereby enhancing emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning. At the same time, behavioral techniques such as exposure and systematic desensitization equip individuals to confront and manage panic-inducing situations. Third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Metacognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Schema therapy, assist with symptom management through various methods. This clearly demonstrates that these therapies are effective interventions for managing PD, reducing its severity, and ensuring that the benefits persist after the treatment period.