The effects of an Internet based self-help course for reducing panic symptoms--Don't Panic Online: study protocol for...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Digital Health
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Internet-based self-help interventions have demonstrated efficacy for panic disorder (PD).
• Existing research primarily focuses on treating full-blown panic disorder, neglecting sub-clinical and mild presentations.
• Sub-clinical panic symptoms are prevalent and pose a risk for developing full PD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based self-help intervention for individuals with sub-clinical or mild panic disorder.
• To compare the intervention group against a waiting list control group in a randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• Recruitment of 128 participants with mild or sub-clinical PD from the general population.
• Primary outcome measures include the severity of panic and anxiety symptoms.
• Secondary outcomes encompass depressive symptoms, quality of life, lost productivity, and healthcare utilization.
• Online assessments conducted at baseline and three months post-baseline.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to yield results indicating the effectiveness of the intervention.

Conclusions:

• The findings will clarify the efficacy of internet-based self-help for milder forms of panic disorder.
• The study's strengths include high external validity and a predominantly online execution, enhancing accessibility.