Effective 4-Day Intensive Therapy Shows Long-Term Benefits for Panic Disorder Patients

Panic attacks can be overwhelming, often triggering intense fear and physical symptoms that disrupt daily life. Chronic or recurring panic attacks are diagnosed as panic disorder. An innovative treatment developed in Bergen, Norway, known as the Bergen 4-Day Treatment (B4DT), offers promising results for those suffering from this condition.

Recent research confirms that this short-term, intensive therapy not only provides rapid relief but also leads to sustained, and in some cases, improving, long-term outcomes. Initially, studies demonstrated that nearly 90% of patients experienced significant improvements just one week after completing the treatment.

Now, new findings reveal that the positive effects of the therapy continue to strengthen over time. According to Kristen Hagen, a psychologist and associate professor at NTNU, patients report feeling even better months after the treatment, beyond their initial post-therapy state, with some experiencing a reduction in general anxiety and depression symptoms as well.

The B4DT is conducted over just four consecutive days in a clinical setting, involving small groups of three to six patients supervised by therapists. Tailored to each individual, the therapy guides patients through exposure to feared symptoms and situations they have previously avoided. This approach helps them realize that their fears are linked to the panic disorder itself, rather than real threats.

Remarkably, approximately 90% of patients report substantial improvements, managing minimal symptoms and functioning well in everyday life post-treatment. Originally designed for obsessive-compulsive disorder, this method has been adapted successfully for panic disorder and potentially other mental health conditions.

While these findings are promising, Hagen emphasizes the need for further research with larger patient populations to confirm and refine the treatment’s effectiveness.

For more detailed information, read the studies published in BMC Psychiatry: longer-term follow-up study and rural clinical setting. The Bergen 4-Day Treatment's success marks a significant step forward in mental health care, offering hope for those battling panic disorder.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-intensive-day-therapy-panic-disorder.html