An investigation into the effectiveness of bibliotherapy and minimal contact interventions in the treatment of panic attacks.

Abstract

The present study investigated the effectiveness of bibliotherapy and minimal therapist-contact interventions in the treatment of panic attacks. Individuals were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) bibliotherapy alone (BT); (2) bibliotherapy plus phone contact (BT+PC); or (3) phone contact alone (PC). Assessment (pre- and post-treatment) and treatment (8 weeks in duration) were conducted via mail and phone. Individuals receiving BT and BT+PC exhibited significant reductions from pre- to post-treatment on panic cognitions and fear of having a panic attack. Individuals receiving BT+PC exhibited significant reductions from pre- to post-treatment on panic symptoms and avoidance. In addition, individuals in the BT and BT+PC groups were more likely to exhibit clinically significant improvement on most dependent measures relative to PC alone. On some measures, individuals in the BT+PC group did clinically better than individuals in the BT group. Results of the present study also suggest that diagnosis may play some role in outcome.

• Authors: Greg A R Febbraro
• Journal: Journal of clinical psychology (J Clin Psychol) Vol. 61 Issue 6 Pg. 763-79 (Jun 2005) ISSN: 0021-9762 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15546141 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Topics

• Adult
• Bibliotherapy
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Panic Disorder (therapy)
• Professional-Patient Relations
• Psychotherapy (methods)
• Self Care
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome
• United States