Effectiveness of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy in patients with panic disorder

J Anxiety Disord. 2010 Aug;24(6):590-5. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2010.03.019. Epub 2010 Apr 3.

Abstract

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been studied to treat patients with depressive or anxiety disorders. The aim of this study was to examine whether MBCT is effective as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy in the treatment of patients with panic disorder. Twenty-three patients with panic disorder were included in a MBCT program for a period of 8 weeks. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Anxiety Sensitivity Index-Revised (ASI-R), Albany Panic and Phobia Questionnaire (APPQ), and Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) were used to assess the patients during the MBCT program. Both HAM-A and PDSS scores were significantly decreased at the 2nd, 4th and 8th weeks compared to baseline in the patients with panic disorder (HAM-A, p<0.01; PDSS, p<0.01). Also, BAI, APPQ and ASI-R were improved significantly after MBCT program (BAI, p<0.01; APPQ, p<0.01; ASI-R, p<0.01). In addition, all subscale scores of ASI-R decreased significantly. MBCT could be effective as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy in patients with panic disorder. However, randomized controlled trials are needed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meditation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Panic Disorder / psychology
  • Panic Disorder / therapy*
  • Patient Selection
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents