Background

Panic disorder is a serious anxiety condition where people experience intense fear of panic attacks without any clear reason. Agoraphobia, a related condition, involves fear of situations where escape might be hard. Both disorders can significantly affect a person’s life. A potential treatment is internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT), which can be accessed by many people and may help those who struggle to get traditional treatment.

Study Objective

This study aimed to test a new online self-help program for people with panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. We hoped to see improvements in panic and agoraphobia symptoms, as well as overall well-being. We also looked for improvements in daily activities, mental health understanding, work ability, and healthcare usage in those using the program.

Methods

We recruited 156 German-speaking patients aged 18-65 with internet access and a diagnosis of panic disorder. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group (82 people) used the 12-week online self-help program, while the other group (72 people) continued with their usual care. The program included education about the disorder, cognitive restructuring, exposure techniques, and mindfulness practices. We measured outcomes using specific scales to assess panic, agoraphobia, and well-being.

Results

Participants in the intervention group completed an average of 7.3 out of 12 program modules, with 32% finishing the entire course. The results showed a significant reduction in panic and agoraphobia symptoms for those in the intervention group. We found improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms, but no significant changes in overall well-being or daily functioning. The lack of negative effects suggests the program was safe for participants.

Conclusions

The online self-help program appears effective in reducing panic disorder and agoraphobia symptoms, as well as anxiety and depression. However, no improvement was seen in overall well-being, possibly due to the high stress levels from the pandemic. Further research may be needed to enhance these outcomes.

Opportunities for Clinics and Patients

Define Measurable Outcomes: Set clear goals for evaluating the online self-help program’s impact on panic disorder.
Select AI Tools: Choose AI solutions that meet specific clinical needs for managing panic disorder.
Implement Step by Step: Start with a pilot project to track results using AI solutions, focusing on real-world impacts.