Treatment of panic disorder via the Internet: a randomized trial of CBT vs. applied relaxation

J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2003 Jun;34(2):129-40. doi: 10.1016/s0005-7916(03)00026-0.

Abstract

A randomized trial was conducted of two different self-help programs for panic disorder (PD) on the Internet. After confirming the PD-diagnosis with an in-person structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID) interview 22 participants were randomized to either applied relaxation (AR) or a multimodal treatment package based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Overall, the results suggest that Internet-administered self-help plus minimal therapist contact via e-mail has a significant medium to large effect (Cohen's d=0.71 for AR and d=0.42 for CBT). The results from this study generally provide evidence to support the continued use and development of Internet-distributed self-help programs.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Panic Disorder / therapy*
  • Relaxation*
  • Self Care / methods
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted
  • Treatment Outcome