Psychotherapy of panic syndrome: Focusing on ecological aspects of relationships

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective sympto matic treatment for panic attacks; however, this paper recommends complemen ting it with an approach based on an interactive ecological model The appro ach is based on the thesis that a panic syndrome can occur if patients bloc k an impending and/or already initiated development of their relation ships , especially involving partners or work. The case may be that, over a perio d of years, phobic attitudes and behavior described further in the text hav e enabled patients to maintain a socially positive shaping of their persona l niches. Later, phobic avoidance behavior is no longer adequate due to the requirements of the new stage of life. Unconsciously, patients configure a n outer relationship situation that demands of them the realization of the impending step in development Therapy should utilize this relationship conf iguration.