Internet-based self-help treatment for panic disorder: a randomized controlled trial comparing mandatory versus...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Panic disorder (PD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition.
• Web-based self-help treatments show promise for PD.
• Professional support enhances online PD treatment effectiveness, but optimal administration remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare two methods of administering phone-based psychological support within internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for PD.
• To determine if scheduled or non-scheduled support yields better outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-seven participants with PD were randomized into three groups: waiting list control, non-scheduled phone support, and scheduled phone support.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles formed the basis of the internet-based intervention.
• Outcomes were assessed for PD symptoms, anxiety, and depression.

Main Results:

• Both treatment groups showed significant improvement compared to the control group (mean ES d = 1.18, p < .05).
• The scheduled support group demonstrated statistically and clinically significant differences compared to the non-scheduled group (Mean difference = -3.20, p = .005).
• The scheduled group exhibited a larger effect size, lower dropout rates, and better treatment adherence.

Conclusions:

• Scheduled psychological support is recommended for web-based treatments for panic disorder.
• Structured support leads to better therapeutic effects, improved adherence, and reduced dropout rates.
• Patients receiving scheduled support experienced significant symptom improvement at post-treatment and follow-up.