For patients with panic disorder, what psychological treatment is recommended for long-term management?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recommended for the long-term management of panic disorder due to its structured approach to addressing the cognitive and behavioral aspects of the condition. CBT helps patients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their panic attacks. By teaching patients strategies to cope with anxiety and gradually exposing them to feared situations, CBT reduces the frequency and intensity of panic attacks and helps patients develop effective coping mechanisms.

The focus on cognitive restructuring allows patients to gain insight into their panic disorder, leading to a better understanding of their symptoms and reducing the fear of experiencing panic attacks. The skills learned in CBT can be applied long after the treatment has ended, offering lasting benefits and reducing the risk of recurrence.

While other therapy options like behavioral therapy and supportive therapy can be beneficial, they do not specifically target the cognitive distortions typical in panic disorder to the same extent as CBT. Psychoanalysis, on the other hand, tends to be a longer-term and less structured approach that may not address the urgent symptoms of panic effectively. Thus, CBT stands out as the most effective evidence-based psychological treatment for patients seeking long-term management of panic disorder.