Objective: A controlled comparison of the effects of medication alone and medication in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral group therapy in the treatment of panic disorder. Method: A quasi-experimental research design was used to compare posttest anxiety scores of clients who received medication alone (n= 26) and those who received weekly therapy in addition to medication (n= 30). The Somatic, Cognitive, Behavioral Anxiety Inventory, a 36-item Likert scale, was used to measure anxiety. One treatment consisted of the prescribed use of medication; the second treatment consisted of medication plus 8 weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in posttest anxiety scores between the two groups. Members of the medication plus therapy group had lower posttest anxiety scores than those who received medication alone. Conclusions: The findings support the hypothesis that medication in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy is more efficacious than medication alone to treat panic disorder.
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