Psychological Management of Agoraphobia with Panic Disorder-A Case Study Sengupta Usri1, Singh Amool Ranjan2,* 1M Phil Trainee, Department of Clinical Psychology, RINPAS, Kanke, Ranchi 2Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, RINPAS, Kanke, Ranchi *Corresponding Author: Prof. (Dr) Amool Ranjan Singh E Mail: sisamool@yahoomail
Online published on 24 February, 2020. Abstract This paper explores application of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy along with Interpersonal Psychotherapy on a patient having Agoraphobia with panic disorder. The client, 43 years old, male, Hindu, belonging to middle socioeconomic status is a chronic case of agoraphobia since the past 15 years with a history of fearfulness of closed spaces, difficulty to be alone anywhere, palpitation, restlessness, fear of becoming unconscious etc. Clinical history reveals that the patient was resistant to previous treatments. Initially, level of frequency of panic attacks, severity of agoraphobia was assessed using Panic and Agoraphobia scale. Based on test results, Systematic Desensitization and Cognitive Restructuring were done. However, the patient had significant deficits in his interpersonal functioning due to which the current symptoms have developed. Hence, Interpersonal Psychotherapy was introduced. A total of 14 sessions were conducted addressing different domains of interpersonal difficulties. It was found that he showed significant improvement in his symptoms as found from the reduced score in the sub-domains-panic attacks, agoraphobic avoidance, anticipatory anxiety in the scale and developed positive attitude towards his family and acquaintances. Follow-up sessions were done for 6 weeks. Currently he is maintaining well Top Keywords Agoraphobia, Cognitive Restructuring, Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Top |