Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Panic Disorder: A Case Study

In the current case study, 11 sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy process of a 19 years old male who had panic disorder symptoms according to DSM-5 was presented. Safety and avoidance behaviors of the client in order to cope with the acute panic attack symptoms were abolished with a behavioral approach, and the misinterpretations about his bodily sensations were changed with a cognitive approach. Homeworks based on exposure was planned for the other complaint of the client that was the fear of being alone at home. As a result of the treatment, the client realized that he did not experience the expected catastrophe in the lack of safety or avoidance behaviors. The treatment that included psycho-education about panic disorder, cognitive restructuring, exposure, breathing and relaxation exercises, supporting the expression of emotions and the outcome of the treatment was detailed in the light of the relevant literature