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Internet cognitive–behavioural treatment for panic disorder: randomised controlled trial and evidence of effectiveness in primary care

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Adrian R. Allen ,
Jill M. Newby ,
Anna Mackenzie ,
Jessica Smith ,
Matthew Boulton ,
Siobhan A. Loughnan  and
Gavin Andrews
Adrian R. Allen*
Affiliation:
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
Jill M. Newby
Affiliation:
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
Anna Mackenzie
Affiliation:
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
Jessica Smith
Affiliation:
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
Matthew Boulton
Affiliation:
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
Siobhan A. Loughnan
Affiliation:
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
Gavin Andrews
Affiliation:
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
*
Adrian R. Allen, Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, Level 4, O'Brien Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, 394–404 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia. Email: adrian.allen@unsw.edu.au
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Abstract

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Background

Internet cognitive–behavioural therapy (iCBT) for panic disorder of up to 10 lessons is well established. The utility of briefer programmes is unknown.

Aims

To determine the efficacy and effectiveness of a five-lesson iCBT programme for panic disorder.

Method

Study 1 (efficacy): Randomised controlled trial comparing active iCBT (n=27) and waiting list control participants (n=36) on measures of panic severity and comorbid symptoms. Study 2 (effectiveness): 330 primary care patients completed the iCBT programme under the supervision of primary care practitioners.

Results

iCBT was significantly more effective than waiting list control in reducing panic (g=0.97, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.61), distress (g=0.92, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.55), disability (g=0.81, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.44) and depression (g=0.79, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.41), and gains were maintained at 3 months post-treatment (iCBT group). iCBT remained effective in primary care, but lower completion rates were found (56.1% in study 2 v. 63% in study 1). Adherence appeared to be related to therapist contact.

Conclusions

The five-lesson Panic Program has utility for treating panic disorder, which translates to primary care. Adherence may be enhanced with therapist contact.

Type
Research Article
Information
BJPsych Open , Volume 2 , Issue 2 , March 2016 , pp. 154 - 162
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BYCreative Common License - NCCreative Common License - ND
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016

Footnotes

Declaration of interest

None.

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