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.