Maximizing the non-specific factors in brief cognitive behavioral therapy for panic disorder and agoraphobia: A multiple baseline case series documenting feasibility and initial efficacy

There is evidence for non-specific factors impacting treatment outcomes, with pragmatic concerns regarding the need to popularize briefer formats of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The need to have more culturally suitable and acceptable forms of CBT is also indicated. We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a brief 5 session CBT (bCBT) in participants (N = 4) with panic disorder (PD) and agoraphobia, using a non-concurrent multiple baseline design. In this case series, efforts were made to maximize non-specific factors of psychotherapy in bringing about treatment outcomes. Reliable and significant treatment effects were observed at post-intervention and follow-up assessments. The present study offers preliminary evidence of a bCBT protocol that comprises the efforts to maximize the non-specific factors in psychotherapy such as credibility, expectancy, and the therapeutic alliance in bringing treatment outcomes; however, further controlled evaluation is warranted. We also discuss the mechanisms contributing to these treatment outcomes in the present protocol.