The efficacy of information-giving in cognitive-behavioural treatment for panic disorder

Despite its inclusion as a basic component of the cognitive-behavioural tre atment for panic disorder, the effects of the provision of information abou t panic anxiety have not been separately assessed. This study compared info rmation-giving with self-monitoring of panic alone, on panic-related variab les and negative affect for 40 people with panic disorder. In comparison to self-monitoring alone, information-giving together with self-monitoring wa s associated with reductions in anticipatory fear of panic and negative aff ect, but not panic frequency. These results suggest that provision of infor mation about panic anxiety is an important component of the cognitive-behav ioural approach to panic disorder in reducing anxious and depressive affect . The other cognitive-behavioural components of this intervention are requi red to impact upon specific panic parameters.