[Initial affective facial behaviour and outcome satisfaction in the psychotherapy of patients with panic disorder].

OBJECTIVES

On the basis of characterizations of the psychodynamics of panic patients and previous findings on their affective facial behavior in first psychotherapy sessions, hypotheses are made on affective facial behavior of the therapist and its relationship to outcome satisfaction.

METHODS

Affective facial behaviour in 20 female patients with panic disorder and their male therapists in the first session of psychotherapy was coded with EMFACS. The data of facial behaviour was correlated with outcome ratings at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Therapists show less affective facial behaviour than panic patients; particularly, they smile less frequently. The frequency of smiling in the first session correlated negatively with outcome ratings. Therapists adapted their interactive behaviour to the relationship offers of their patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results are discussed on the background of the psychodynamics of panic disorders. Considering the different relationship offers, the results indicate that the interactive dialogue should be formed very specifically in order to create a helpful therapeutic relationship.