Efficacy of internet therapy for panic disorder

J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2006 Sep;37(3):213-38. doi: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2005.07.001. Epub 2005 Aug 26.

Abstract

Fifty-five people with panic disorder (PD) were randomised to internet-based cognitive behavioural panic treatment (CBT) (with email contact), therapist-assisted CBT manual or information-only control (both with telephone contact). Both CBT treatments were more effective in reducing PD symptomatology, panic-related cognition, negative affect, and number of GP visits and improving physical health ratings. Internet treatment was more effective than CBT manual in reducing clinician-rated agoraphobia and number of GP visits at post-assessment. At follow-up, these effects were maintained for both CBT groups, with internet CBT better at improving physical health ratings and reducing GP visits. This study provides support for the efficacy of internet-based CBT.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Agoraphobia / diagnosis
  • Agoraphobia / psychology
  • Agoraphobia / therapy
  • Australia
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / psychology
  • Depression / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Manuals as Topic
  • Middle Aged
  • Panic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Panic Disorder / psychology
  • Panic Disorder / therapy*
  • Self Care / psychology
  • Somatoform Disorders / diagnosis
  • Somatoform Disorders / psychology
  • Somatoform Disorders / therapy
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted / methods*