INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS IN PANIC DISORDER WITH AGORAPHOBIA - A REVIEW OF EMPIRICAL-EVIDENCE

Recently there has been considerable research exploring the interperso nal relationships of patients diagnosed with panic disorder with agora phobia. In general, recent empirical investigations support the notion that agoraphobics' interpersonal relationships are problematic and ca n decrease treatment efficacy. In addition, it appears that involving the partner of the agoraphobic in treatment may be more effective than treating the client alone. However, these conclusions are limited by several methodological and conceptual shortcomings, including narrow a nd/or biased sample selection, lack of adequate meaures, and insuffici ent use of suitable control groups.