Psychotherapy of panic syndrome: focusing on ecological aspects of relationships.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective symptomatic treatment for panic attacks; however, this paper recommends complementing it with an approach based on an interactive ecological model. The approach is based on the thesis that a panic syndrome can occur if patients block an impending and/or already initiated development of their relationships, especially involving partners or work. The case may be that, over a period of years, phobic attitudes and behavior described further in the text have enabled patients to maintain a socially positive shaping of their personal niches. Later, phobic avoidance behavior is no longer adequate due to the requirements of the new stage of life. Unconsciously, patients configure an outer relationship situation that demands of them the realization of the impending step in development. Therapy should utilize this relationship configuration.