Integrating behavior therapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of agoraphobia.

Investigated the effects of treatment that combined behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, family systems therapy, logotherapy, and Gestalt therapy in the treatment of agoraphobia. Ss were 30 females and 5 males (mean age 35.18 yrs) who had been agoraphobic for a median of 7.05 yrs and who had applied for a 2-wk intensive treatment program (ITP). Ss were administered a battery of questionnaires including the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Ss either began treatment on a weekly basis while waiting for the ITP to begin (treatment Ss) or were placed on a waiting list (control Ss). Significant changes on self-reported avoidance behavior, panic attacks, social anxiety, depression, chronic anxiety, assertiveness, and fear of fear were observed in the treatment Ss up to 6 mo after beginning the ITP. No change had occurred on these measures during the same time in the controls. Results indicate that psychosocial treatment without drugs is effective for the majority of clients seeking treatment for agoraphobia. (36 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)