title: Internet cognitive-behavioural treatment for panic disorder: randomised controlled trial and evidence of effectiveness in primary care.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Internet cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT) for panic disorder of up to 10 lessons is well established. The utility of briefer programmes is unknown.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the efficacy and effectiveness of a five-lesson iCBT programme for panic disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  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 2v. 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.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  None.
  © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) licence.
authors.affiliation: , PhD.
authors.forename: Adrian R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.affiliation: , PhD.
authors.forename: Jill M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Newby
authors.affiliation: , MPH.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
authors.affiliation: , MSc.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: , FRANZCP.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boulton
authors.affiliation: , BPsych.
authors.forename: Siobhan A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Loughnan
authors.affiliation: , AO MD, Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andrews