Prevention of panic disorders

Background reports show that for panic disorders sufficient scientific evidence exists for the efficacy of preventive interventions based on cognitive behavioural-therapeutic principles. This means that the preventive intervention for panic disorders fulfils the ‘established medical science and medical practice’ criterion. For other anxiety disorders there is still insufficient evidence based on scientific research of a sufficient quality in relation to preventive interventions. CVZ therefore concludes that prevention of a panic disorder in the form of programmes based on cognitive behavioural therapy can be regarded as an insured provision under the Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw, Health Insurance Act).

This report is a summary of recommendations by the National Health Care Institute. The original text is in Dutch.