Usage and Longitudinal Effectiveness of a Web-Based Self-Help Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Panic Disorder
Open Access
- 26 March 2005
- journal article
- Published by JMIR Publications Inc. in Journal of Medical Internet Research
- Vol. 7 (1), e7
- https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7.1.e7
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders are common problems that result in enormous suffering and economic costs. The efficacy of Web-based self-help approaches for anxiety disorders has been demonstrated in a number of controlled trials. However, there is little data regarding the patterns of use and effectiveness of freely available Web-based interventions outside the context of controlled trials. OBJECTIVE: To examine the use and longitudinal effectiveness of a freely available, 12-session, Web-based, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program for panic disorder and agoraphobia. METHODS: Cumulative anonymous data were analyzed from 99695 users of the Panic Center. Usage statistics for the website were examined and a longitudinal survey of self-reported symptoms for people who registered for the CBT program was conducted. The primary outcome measures were self-reported panic-attack frequency and severity at the beginning of each session (sessions 2-12). RESULTS: Between September 1, 2002 and February 1, 2004, there were 484695 visits and 1148097 page views from 99695 users to the Panic Center. In that same time period, 1161 users registered for the CBT program. There was an extremely high attrition rate with only 12 (1.03%) out of 1161 of registered users completing the 12-week program. However, even for those who remained in the program less than 12 weeks we found statistically significant reductions (P<.002) in self-reported panic attack frequency and severity, comparing 2 weeks of data against data after 3, 6, or 8 weeks. For example, the 152 users completing only 3 sessions of the program reduced their average number of attacks per day from 1.03 (week 2) to 0.63 (week 3) (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Freely available Web-based self-help will likely be associated with high attrition. However, for the highly self-selected group who stayed in the program, significant improvements were observed. [J Med Internet Res 2005;7(1):e7]This publication has 32 references indexed in Scilit:
- Treatment of panic disorder: live therapy vs. self-help via the InternetBehaviour Research and Therapy, 2005
- A Comparison of Changes in Anxiety and Depression Symptoms of Spontaneous Users and Trial Participants of a Cognitive Behavior Therapy WebsiteJournal of Medical Internet Research, 2004
- Improving the Quality of Web Surveys: The Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES)Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2004
- A Web-Based Screening Instrument for Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Primary CareJournal of Medical Internet Research, 2003
- Pragmatic evaluation of computer-aided self-help for anxiety and depressionThe British Journal of Psychiatry, 2003
- Extension and Replication of an Internet-Based Treatment Program for Panic DisorderCognitive Behaviour Therapy, 2002
- Treatment of panic disorder via the internet: A randomized trial of a self-help programBehavior Therapy, 2001
- Recommendations for a cost-offset model of psychotherapy allocation using generalized anxiety disorder as an example.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2000
- A meta-analysis of self-help treatment approachesClinical Psychology Review, 1993
- Use of computer‐administered cognitive‐behavior therapy with depressed inpatientsDepression, 1993