Treating panic on the go: Results of a randomized controlled trial evaluating a hybrid online training for panic disorder and agoraphobia (Preprint)
BACKGROUND Previous studies provide evidence for the effectiveness of web-based interventions for panic disorder with and without agoraphobia (PD). Smartphone-based technologies hold significant potential for further enhancing accessibility and efficacy of such interventions. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the efficacy of a guided hybrid online training based on cognitive behavior therapy for adults suffering from PD symptoms. METHODS Participants (N=92) with total scores in the Panic- and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS) ranging from 9 to 28 were recruited from the general population and allocated either to a hybrid intervention (GET.ON Panic) or to a wait-list control group (WLC). The primary outcome was the reduction of panic symptoms as self-assessed with a web-based version of the PAS. RESULTS ANCOVA-based intention-to-treat analyses revealed a significantly stronger decrease in panic symptoms (F=9.77, p<0.01; d=0.66; 95% CI 0.24-1.08) in the intervention group compared with the WLC group at post-treatment. Comparisons between groups at the follow-up measures at 3 and 6 months yielded even stronger effects (3M-FU: F=17.40, p<0.001; d=0.89; 95% CI 0.46-1.31; 6M-FU: F=14.63, p<0.001; d=0.81; 95% CI 0.38-1.24). CONCLUSIONS Hybrid online trainings may help reduce symptoms of PD and hence play an important part in improving health care for patients suffering from this debilitating disorder. CLINICALTRIAL German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00005223 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.1186/1745-6215-15-427