A bibliotherapy approach to relapse prevention in individuals with panic attacks

Abstract

The present study examined a relapse prevention (RP) program delivered via bibliotherapy in the treatment of individuals with panic attacks. Compared with a wait list control group, individuals receiving RP exhibited significant reductions on measures of frequency of panic attacks, panic cognitions, anticipatory anxiety, avoidance, and depression. In addition, individuals in the RP group were more likely to attain a "clinically significant change" in status on both panic-free status and level of avoidance more frequently than individuals in the control group. When compared with treatment effects evaluated in two prior phases of the study, the obtained results appear to be the product of a synchronous effect of bibliotherapy and minimal phone contact during the 6-month follow-up period. The results reflect the importance of brief therapist contact in increasing motivation for active participation in bibliotherapy interventions.