THE IMPACT OF ANTI-DEPRESSANTS AND COGNITIVE THERAPY ON PANIC DISORDER Christopher Cannizzaro Rowan University Abnormal Psychology

Research Question: Is the combination of anti-depressants and cognitive therapy effective in treating panic disorder?

Background Information: Anti-Depressants & Panic Disorder

Background Information: Cognitive Therapy & Panic Disorder

Hypothesis: Participants that receive a combination of anti-depressant medication and cognitive therapy as a treatment for their panic disorder will have less panic attacks than participants who do not receive a combination treatment or no treatment at all.

Participants This study included 120 participants all of whom have been diagnosed with panic disorder. Inclusion criteria: the diagnosis of panic disorder the participants must be the older than 20. Exclusion Criteria: Any previous diagnosis of another mental illness.

Measures It has been shown in previous research that anti-depressants and cognitive therapy are both effective treatments in panic disorders. This study aims to determine what combination of the two treatments is the most effective combined treatment for panic disorder.

Measures, continued By using a factorial design, we will include two independent variables: 1. anti-depressants (3 levels) 2. cognitive therapy (2 levels). * See next slide A factorial design allows us to examine complex relationships among variables.

No Cognitive Therapy Cognitive Therapy 1x per Week Anti- Depressant (200 mg) Group 1Group 2 Placebo PillGroup 3Group 4 No Pill GivenGroup 5Group 6

Recruitment of Participants: Participants will be recruited into the study by: 1. Brochures placed in psychiatrists’ offices throughout the study area. 2. Psychiatrists will be informed on the study and will ask their patients diagnosed with panic disorder if they are interested in participating. 3. An ad will be placed in the local newspaper. *Recruitment will be stopped once there are 120 participants in total.

Placement of Participants The participants will be randomly assigned to one of the six groups upon signing up for the study 20 participants will be in each group.

Procedure: The study will run for 6 months in total. We will begin to measure the effects of the treatment levels after 4 weeks. This will give the anti-depressants enough time to begin working. The amount of panic attacks that occur from week 5 until the study is over will be recorded by each patient.

Discussion A combination of 200 mg anti-depressants and cognitive therapy 1x per week resulted in the lowest amount of panic attacks over the 5 month period. Alone, anti-depressants were more effective than cognitive therapy. The placebo effect? Participants who received a placebo pill vs. those who received no placebo pill (cognitive therapy was not given to either group) had an average of 10 less panic attacks.

Why is this study important? Panic attacks are very common among the United States population. It is useful to determine the best treatment. We determined that anti-depressants alone are more effective than cognitive therapy alone. This is relevant because often health insurance does not pay for therapy A combination of anti-depressants and cognitive therapy produces the most effective treatment.

Strengths The factorial design of this study allows us to examine the effect of combinations of independent variables. Random Assignment

Limitations

Further Research: Do anti-anxiety medications have a similar effect as anti-depressants? More cognitive therapy, possibly 3x per week.