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Usage and longitudinal effectiveness of a Web-based self-help cognitive behavioral therapy program for panic

Peter Farvolden1, Eilenna Denisoff, Peter Selby

  • 1Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada. peter_farvolden@camh.net

Journal of Medical Internet Research
|April 15, 2005
PubMed
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Freely available web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for panic disorder shows high user attrition but significant symptom reduction for those who persist. This highlights the potential of online interventions despite engagement challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Digital Health
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Anxiety disorders impose significant suffering and economic burdens.
  • Web-based self-help interventions have demonstrated efficacy in controlled trials.
  • Limited data exists on the real-world use and effectiveness of free online anxiety programs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the usage patterns and longitudinal effectiveness of a free, 12-session, web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program.
  • The program specifically targets panic disorder and agoraphobia.
  • To analyze data from a large user base outside of a controlled trial setting.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of anonymous user data from 99,695 individuals accessing the "Panic Center" website.
  • Examination of website usage statistics and a longitudinal survey of self-reported symptoms.

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  • Primary outcome measures included self-reported panic attack frequency and severity across sessions 2-12.

    • Main Results:

    • Over 99,000 users visited the site, with 1,161 registering for the CBT program.
    • A high attrition rate was observed, with only 1.03% completing the 12-week program.
    • Statistically significant reductions in panic attack frequency and severity were found for users who stayed in the program for at least 3 weeks.

    Conclusions:

    • Freely accessible web-based self-help interventions for anxiety are associated with high attrition rates.
    • Despite high dropout rates, a self-selected group demonstrated significant symptom improvement.
    • The findings suggest potential benefits of online CBT for panic disorder, but user engagement remains a challenge.