JOURNAL ARTICLE

Study Data from University of Greifswald Update Understanding of Panic Disorder (Instructed increase in fear activation during exposure exercises does not enhance treatment effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for panic disorder and...).

  • Published In: Mental Health Weekly Digest, 2026. P. 1182 1 of 2

  • Database: Psychology Source 2 of 2

Abstract

The article focuses on a study conducted in Greifswald, Germany, examining the effectiveness of exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (eCBT) for panic disorder and agoraphobia (PD/AG). The research involved 124 individuals diagnosed with PD/AG, who were randomized into two groups: one receiving eCBT with guided fear activation and the other receiving exposure alone. The findings indicated that increasing fear activation did not enhance treatment outcomes, as the group with fear activation performed worse in two of four primary measures post-treatment, although both groups showed equal effectiveness at follow-up. The study challenges the recommendation to maximize patient fear during eCBT for this patient population. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Mental Health Weekly Digest. 2026/02, p1182
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1543-6616
  • Accession Number:191224224
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