Temporal patterns of change in panic disorder during cognitive behaviour therapy: an Indian study

The cognitive theory of panic disorder: A systematic narrative review

BACKGROUND

The cognitive theory of panic disorder proposes that individuals with panic disorder have a relatively enduring tendency to catastrophically misinterpret bodily sensations resulting in panic attacks.

AIMS

We investigated whether the evidence is consistent with the theory and its predictions, if updates are required and sought to identify future research considerations.

METHODS

We searched Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL (1986 to July 2024). Inclusion criteria were studies collecting quantitative data derived from panic disorder patients, testing one of the predictions and using appropriate outcome measures. Exclusion criteria were non-English language publications, all participants under the age of 18 and studies that were not published in a peer-reviewed journal. Quality was assessed using 'QualSyst' and synthesis was based on each prediction tested. PROPSERO registration #CRD42022332211.

RESULTS

53 studies were identified amongst 49 publications. There was substantial evidence for all predictions. Three studies did not support the prediction tested and none were inconsistent.

LIMITATIONS

Most studies were 'medium' in quality and were predominately from female samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings are consistent with the theory and its predictions. Higher quality research is needed and implications for future research are discussed.

Research on psychotherapy in India: A systematic review

We systematically reviewed empirical studies of psychotherapy with Indian clients. We defined psychotherapy as an intervention aimed at treating mental disorders using "talk," which, in a professional medical setting, along with the therapeutic relationship, acquires medicinal value. Besides manual searches in three leading Indian psychiatry journals, we conducted digital searches in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. We found that the commonly practiced evidence-based psychotherapy in India follows the cognitive-behavioral model. Our findings suggest several replication studies which claimed to have used the well-established western models of cognitive behavioural paradigm but have mostly focused on basic behavioural techniques in their protocol. A few innovations were observed, and several essential errors were noted. Innovations include contextual modifications to address the difficulties and challenges faced in service delivery, while errors include deviations from protocol without adequate rationale.

Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy: A Descriptive Review (2000 to July 2016)

BACKGROUND

The Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (BCP) Journal is the main academic publication of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies. It publishes empirical studies, reviews and theoretical papers, brief reports and single cases.

AIM

To describe the main areas of interest and focus in BCP papers.

METHOD

All the papers published in BCP from 2000 to July 2016 were analysed. A categorization procedure was followed with 813 contributions in six main areas: main author country; main author gender; kind of contribution; kind of therapeutic approaches; kind of samples; kind of focus/topic.

RESULTS

Although the journal's scope is international, first authors tend to come from English-speaking countries. Since 2009, females contribute more than males. Empirical studies surpass theoretical studies and reviews, while the main therapy denomination is cognitive behavioural therapy. Variability of samples is wide, and ranges from analogues to main disorders. Finally, the main focus of papers is to study change and psychopathology, therapists' training and improvement of CBT.

CONCLUSION

Given the total number of categorized papers, it can be tentatively assumed that they could exemplify some main areas of interest and evolvement in the cognitive and behavioural field.