[Emerging from depression and panic disorder into a normal life: a case report].

This study documents the nursing experience of caring for a patient with depression and panic disorder, using cognitive therapy. The subject had experienced chronic depression and repeated panic attacks for an extended period of time, which had a negative impact on both her and her family. In addition to applying relaxation techniques to alleviate discomfort resulting from repeated hyperventilation, the author also noted that negative emotion was the common cause of the subject's depression and anxiety. Such patients habitually experience negative cognition, which influences their emotions and behaviors. Plans were therefore developed to assist the subject in: (i) recognizing her negative automatic thoughts, (ii) realizing that her physical discomfort and lack of problem-solving skills were both related to such thoughts, and (iii) correcting cognitive distortion by substituting negative automatic thoughts with positive thoughts. Upon implementation of these plans, distinctly lessened depression and anxiety, and distinctly improved coping abilities were all noted. With panic attacks diminishing and individual coping abilities improved, a normal social life was again on the horizon for the subject. It is hoped that this study will be of use as a source of reference in the care of similar cases in the future.