BEHAVIORAL-ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF PANIC DISORDER - CURRENT STATUS, FUTURE-DIRECTIONS

This article reviews the current status of behavioral approaches to th e assessment and treatment of Panic Disorder (PD). One goal in writing this article is to facilitate exchange between the science and the pr actice of behavior therapy for PD. Although current behavioral and cog nitive-behavioral treatment interventions for PD show favorable result s, this disorder remains fairly common. Prior to reviewing the data fr om controlled trials of these types of intervention approaches, the pr esentation and diagnosis of PD is discussed. Additionally, an overview of conceptual accounts of PD is included, as these provide the ration ale for current approaches to assessment and treatment. Specific recom mendations regarding assessment, treatment planning, progress monitori ng, and outcome evaluation are included throughout. As noted, behavior al approaches to PD represent a vital, active area of the field, where many innovations and answers have been forthcoming. This review highl ights these recent developments and suggests future directions which w ould further enhance our knowledge about PD.