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Influences of lifestyle and general practice (GP) care on the symptom profile of people with panic disorder
journal contribution
posted on 2023-07-26, 12:33 authored by Rodney Lambert, Woody Caan, Andrew J. McVicarCurrent treatment guidelines for anxiety disorders, including panic disorder (PD), recommend either medication or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). There is currently a call through the Layard Report for significant investment to increase the availability of CBT resources. However, there are reported limitations to both medication and CBT in the treatment of anxiety, and it appears prudent to consider additional methods of treatment that may offer effective interventions. One such intervention is based around the evidence of altered sensitivity within a number of physiological body systems in anxiety patients (particularly those with PD), all of which are influenced in their function by habitual lifestyle behaviours. A randomised controlled trial compared a 16‐week occupational therapy‐led lifestyle intervention and routine general practice (GP) care for PD. At 20 weeks, 14 symptoms with ‘moderate’ to ‘very severe’ ratings were assessed in 36 GP and 31 lifestyle‐intervention patients. Composite symptom profiles, similar at baseline, were produced. The GP intervention produced modest improvements in most symptoms. The lifestyle intervention overall produced greater symptomatic relief (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, P= 0.008). The physiological and cognitive symptom profile also changed more with lifestyle intervention. Occupational therapists have developed their interventions based on their understanding of everyday occupation. Habitual lifestyle behaviours are characterised as being recurrent elements of everyday occupation and are, therefore, legitimate targets for occupational therapy interventions. They provide a vehicle through which to encourage patients to regain understanding and control of their own anxiety symptoms.
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
7Issue number
2Page range
18-24Publication title
Journal of Public Mental HealthISSN
2042-8731External DOI
Publisher
EmeraldLanguage
- other
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Legacy posted date
2010-11-11Legacy Faculty/School/Department
ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)Usage metrics
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