Discussion
This study is the first of a series of surveys that are
part of a collaborative effort between Division 12
(Society of Clinical Psychology) and Division 29
(Psychotherapy) of the American Psychological
Association, the goal of which is to build a two-way
bridge between research and practice. In much the
same way that the FDA has a mechanism for
practicing physicians to provide feedback on the
use of a clinically approved drug, the goal here is to
obtain feedback from practicing therapists on their
use of an empirically supported treatment for panic
disorder. Having information on those mediating
and moderating variables that may undermine the
clinical effectiveness of an intervention provides
important information on potential areas in need of
research. Moreover, it also offers important information
to clinicians about some of the limitations in
using an empirically supported treatment in actual
clinical practice.
This study focused solely on the use of CBT in the
treatment of panic disorder, as at present it is the
only intervention that clearly meets criteria for an
empirically supported treatment. Although there is