Coping Skills and Exposure Therapy in Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia: Latest Advances and Future Directions

Authors

Alicia E. Meuret, Southern Methodist University
Kate B. Wolizky-Taylor, University of California, Los Angeles
Michael P. Twohig, Utah State UniversityFollow
Michelle G. Craske, University of California, Los Angeles

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Behavior Therapy

Volume

43

Issue

2

Publisher

Science Direct

Publication Date

8-27-2011

First Page

271

Last Page

284

Abstract

Although cognitive-behavioral treatments for panic disorder have demonstrated efficacy, a considerable number of patients terminate treatment prematurely or remain symptomatic. Cognitive and biobehavioral coping skills are taught to improve exposure therapy outcomes but evidence for an additive effect is largely lacking. Current methodologies used to study the augmenting effects of coping skills test the degree to which the delivery of coping skills enhances outcomes. However, they do not assess the degree to which acquisition of coping skills and their application during exposure therapy augment outcomes. We examine the extant evidence on the role of traditional coping skills in augmenting exposure for panic disorder, discuss the limitations of existing research, and offer recommendations for methodological advances.

Recommended Citation

Meuret, A. E., Wolitzky-Taylor, K. B., Twohig, M. P., & Craske, M. G. (2012). Coping skills and exposure therapy in panic disorder and agoraphobia: Latest advances and future directions. Behavior Therapy, 43, 271-284.