Panic disorder and cognitive behavioral therapy approach: A case report

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present in detail the psychotherapy process conducted with a client diagnosed with panic disorder, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and contribute to clinical practice. In this context, the study was carried out using the case report method, and the eight-week individual psychotherapy process conducted with a 39-year-old female client was addressed. During the intervention process, techniques from both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) were applied. The client’s panic attack cycle, automatic thought patterns, tendency toward emotional suppression, and relational problems were addressed through therapeutic interventions. Based on the findings, a decrease in the frequency and severity of the client’s panic attacks, an increase in her ability to recognize and express emotions, the development of insight, and a strengthening of self-perception were observed. By the end of the eighth session, it was evaluated that the client had largely achieved her therapeutic goals and that the psychotherapy process had been completed effectively. The results indicate that a structured and integrative psychotherapy approach may be functional in managing the symptoms of panic disorder. In this regard, it is considered that further case reports and case-based research on panic disorder are needed.