The relationship between anxiety and depression and the false coping strategies in patients diagnosed with Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is one of the most common psychological disorders. The onset of the PD process is often closely related to environmental or psychological factors and is usually chronic disorder. According to cognitive and behavioral theory, one of the most important factors of the continuation of the disease in anxiety disorders and especially panic disorder is the existence of false coping strategies. False coping strategies (FCS) are to avoid environments where negative stimuli may occur. That is, in a sense, to take precautions to protect. FCS plays an important role in the maintenance and persistence of anxiety. Escaping and avoiding behaviors can free the person from instant stress while actually causing more anxiety to settle. The aim of this study is to determine the FCS and to investigate the relationship among anxiety, depression and panic disorder. In our study, which is planned as a cross-sectional study, where quantitative and qualitative methods are used together. 56 participants who were admitted to a private practice between April 2017 / April 2019 and diagnosed as PD were analyzed. FCS of these patients were listed and grouped by qualitative methods during the psychiatrist interview and then by the content analysis of the verbal statements of the patients during the psychologist interview. Beck, STAI anxiety, Beck depression, PASS scales and personal information form were also administered to the participants. Based on the content analysis solutions obtained in the qualitative study step of this study, FCS is divided into three main groups. 1- Cardiac (n=25), 2- Respiratory (n=12), 3-Mental (n=19). When the anxiety levels of these three groups were compared, no difference was found between them. BDI, BAI, STAI-T and STAI-S scores do not differ according to age groups and marital status. BDI, BAI, STAI-1 and STAI-2 scores increased significantly as the number of avoidance (FCS) increased. Determining and grouping the types and number of FCS in PD patients will make an important contribution in the treatment of anxiety in these patients. The aim of treatment; eliminating FCS to reduce sensory sensitivity to stress, anxiety in certain situations, and avoidance behaviors associated with these situations.