Treating panic

How often do psychologists use interoceptive exposure to treat panic disorder?

Interoceptive exposure (IE) is one of the single most critical components of cognitive behaviour therapy for panic disorder, as supported by research. International studies suggest, however, that psychologists often avoid using IE with their clients, and that when they do use it, they frequently do not do so in ways consistent with evidence-based best practice. The same studies suggest that negative beliefs about exposure may underpin these treatment decisions.

Researchers investigated the use of IE within a population of Australian and New Zealand psychologists. The aim was to find out how much IE is used, and whether use of IE was associated with psychologists’ beliefs about exposure and personal characteristics, such as level and type of training. Participants (N = 164) completed questionnaires seeking demographic information, as well as information about type of treatment used for panic disorder, how treatment is implemented, negative beliefs about exposure therapy, general risk orientation and self-reported treatment outcomes.

Participants used a broad range of treatment approaches for panic disorder and implemented exposure in widely varying ways, often not consistent with evidence-based practice. For those who did not use IE at all, or use it as indicated, results suggested that they are influenced by negative beliefs about exposure therapy, which was positively related to lower success rates in treatment outcomes.

The findings suggest a need for further research into the quality of current training methodologies, supervision practices and ongoing professional development standards for exposure therapy techniques in Australian and New Zealand contexts.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13284207.2022.2035651