Stability of catastrophic cognitions in panic disorder.

This study examined the degree to which panic disorder patients recognized the irrationality of their fearful cognitions during the midst of panic and at other times, when not panicking. Also, the degree to which panic-cognitions changed over time was examined. Approximately 40% retained at least moderately strong conviction in their panic-cognitions when not panicking. Females and non-medicated patients held stronger convictions. Fearful cognitions about physical dangers were more likely to decrease over time than fearful cognitions about mental or social dangers.