Interoceptive exposure versus breathing retraining within cognitive‐behavioural therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia1

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Abstract
This study compared two components of a cognitive‐behavioural treatment for panic disorder. Thirty‐eight individuals with panic disorder and agoraphobia were randomly assigned to (a) cognitive restructuring, interoceptive exposure (i.e. repeated exposure to feared bodily sensations) and in vivo exposure to agoraphobic situations; or (b) cognitive restructuring, breathing retraining and in vivo exposure to agoraphobic situations. Assessments were conducted at pre‐treatment, post‐treatment and six months later. The treatments were equally effective on many measures. However, treatment that included interoceptive exposure was more effective at post‐treatment in terms of panic frequency, overall severity and functioning, and more effective at six‐month follow‐up in terms of panic frequency, phobic fears and general anxiety and functioning. Follow‐up results were limited due to attrition.

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