Psychological treatment of comorbid asthma and panic disorder: a pilot study

Abstract

We evaluated two protocols for treating adults with comorbid asthma and panic disorder. The protocols included elements of Barlow's panic control therapy and elements of Barlow's "panic control therapy" and several asthma education programs, as well as modules designed to teach participants how to differentiate asthma and panic symptoms, and how to apply specific home management strategies for each. Fifty percent of subjects dropped out of a 14-session protocol by the eighth session; however, 83% of patients were retained in an eight-session protocol. Clinical results were mostly equivalent: significant decreases of >50% in panic symptoms, clinically significant decreases in asthma symptoms, improvement in asthma quality of life, and maintenance of clinical stability in asthma. Albuterol use decreased significantly in the 14-session protocol and at a borderline level I the 8-session protocol, while pulmonary function was maintained. A controlled evaluation of this procedure is warranted.

Fig. 1

Panic Disorder Severity Scale Note: Error bars represent standard errors.

Fig. 2

Panicogenic Cognitions: Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Agoraphobia Cognitions Questionnaire, Body Sensations Questionnaire, and Beck Anxiety Inventory

Fig. 3

Beck Anxiety Inventory

Fig 4

Asthma severity: Symptom and Medication Classes Symptoms are classified using NHLBI criteria as 1 = mild intermittent, 2 = mild persistent, 3 = moderate, 4 = severe. An asterisk (*) denotes a significant change from baseline.

Fig. 5

Albuterol use Note: Data for the period between the first and second followup sessions are omitted because of data recording difficulties.

Fig. 6

Asthma Quality of Life

Fig. 7

Asthma Symptom Check List