Influencing panic : experimental and clinical studies into determinants of panic severity

In this dissertation the impact of genetic and environmental factors on panic disorder (PD) was studied and factors affecting cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the treatment of PD. Patients with PD who smoke regularly show stronger carbon dioxide challenge test reactions. Intensive short-term behavioural therapy aimed at agoraphobia in PD patients shows the same results as less intensive longer-term therapy. It is shown in a large group of ambulant PD patients that CBT aimed at PD also reduces comorbid depressive symptoms. The 5-HTTLPR genotype appears to affect the outcome of CBT aimed at PD as well