Exploring termination setback in a psychodynamic therapy for panic disorder.

Objective: Termination in psychodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potentially conflictual and turbulent phase for patients, with risk increases symptoms. However, few studies of PDT have assessed symptoms frequently enough during treatment to determine whether such setbacks are fact common PDT. Methods: In doubly randomized clinical preference trial, 217 adults (female = 163; M age 34.8 (12.6)) panic disorder or without agoraphobia were treated panic-focused psychotherapy (PFPP) control (PCT), form cognitive behavioral therapy. Participants completed the Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Self Report (PDSS-SR) weekly (weeks 1-12), 6, 12 24 months after treatment. Using piecewise latent growth curve modeling we tested trajectories change focusing on termination PFPP. Results: Week-to-week improvement PDSS-SR stopped (a setback [TS]) PFPP weeks 10-12, whereas PCT participants continued improve. Larger symptom reductions up week 10 predicted more severe TS. Less avoidant attachment less interpersonal problems also The TSs tended last, as evidenced by inferior outcomes, 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: This study provides evidence TS Resurgence approached was than PCT. Studies involving assessment primary comorbid symptoms, well qualitative analyses patient experiences therapeutic process termination, different forms PDT, warranted. (Less)