Evidence-based psychotherapy in a case of dysthymia and panic attack

Abstract

This paper presents a single case study of a 23-yearold woman with a clinical diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder (Currently in a moderate level), with anxiety, specifically infrequent episodes of panic attacks, is described. The objective of this article is to study the results obtained after the application of an evidence-based therapy scheme, in light of the evolution of symptoms related to mood and anxiety; and the results found by previous studies. The semistructured clinical interview, a checklist to evaluate panic attacks, and standardized tests were used as evaluation instruments, including the BDI, IDER, EROS. The results obtained allowed the development of a 23-session treatment plan, applying intervention techniques supported by empirical evidence such as cognitive restructuring, interoceptive exposure, live exposure, and techniques for positive reinforcement of activities for the management of dysthymia and panic attacks. The results showed a significant advance in the restructuring of thoughts, the decrease in anxiety and an increase in the activation of the mood, fulfilling the objectives and corroborating the efficacy of the techniques applied for the treatment of dysthymia and panic attacks. © 2021 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.