Efficacy of self-help manuals for anxiety disorders in primary care: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review effectiveness studies of self-help manuals for anxiety disorders in primary care.

Methods: A systematic review of six identified randomized controlled trials was carried out. In addition to outcome, the articles were coded on quality variables.

Results: The studies included differed with respect to the methodological quality, measurements used and size of the study population. Despite these differences, global results suggest that a self-help manual is an effective treatment possibility for primary care patients with anxiety disorders. The more time that was spent on guidance on the use of the self-help manual the greater was its effectiveness.

Conclusion: Treatment with a self-help manual for anxiety disorders may be effective in primary care. Data are lacking on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of these manuals.