Integrating an Interoceptive Exposure-Based Smoking Cessation Program into the Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Panic Disorder: Theoretical Relevance and Case Demonstration

A theoretically driven approach to the cognitive-behavioral treatment of panic disorder and smoking is articulated. For persons with panic disorder who smoke, it is suggested that it may be useful to directly integrate smoking cessation within cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder. To illustrate the potential viability of this type of treatment approach, the nature of the panic and smoking co-occurrence is first discussed. Then, a treatment model that integrates an interoceptive exposure-based program of smoking cessation into cognitive-behavioral therapy for panic disorder is presented. Finally, a case example is used to illustrate this approach, followed by a discussion of the potential implications of this therapeutic model.