Reducing demands on clinicians by offering computer-aided self-help for phobia/panic. Feasibility study.
BACKGROUND
Many patients with phobia/panic find it hard to access effective treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To test the feasibility of computer-guided exposure therapy for phobia/panic.


METHODS
Self-referrals were screened for 20 min and, if suitable, had six sessions of computer-guided self-help (from a system called FearFighter). Pre- and post-treatment ratings of 54 patients were compared with those of 31 similar out-patients with phobia/panic who received the same treatment guided by a clinician.


RESULTS
At pre-treatment, computer-guided cases were slightly less severe than clinician-guided patients. In a post-treatment intent-to-treat analysis, both groups improved comparably but computer-guided patients spent 86% less time with a clinician than did purely clinician-guided patients, who had no access to the computer system.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-guided self-exposure therapy appeared feasible and effective for self-referrals and saved much clinician time. A controlled study is now needed.
Kenwright
M
M
NHS Stress Self-Help Clinic, 303 North End Road, London W114 9NS, UK. m.kenwright@hotmail.com
Liness
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Marks
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D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome