Early intervention in panic: randomized controlled trial and cost-effectiveness analysis
2008

Early Intervention for Panic Disorder

Sample size: 129 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Meulenbeek Peter, Willemse Godelief, Smit Filip, van Balkom Anton, Spinhoven Philip, Cuijpers Pim

Primary Institution: VU-University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Hypothesis

We predict that the experimental condition will show superior clinical and economic outcomes relative to a waitlisted control group.

Conclusion

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an early intervention for panic disorder symptoms.

Supporting Evidence

  • Panic disorder affects 2% to 3% of the adult population each year.
  • 35.9% of presumably normal subjects reported experiencing one or more panic attacks in the past year.
  • Effective treatments for panic disorder exist, but many sufferers do not receive them.

Takeaway

This study is trying to help people who feel anxious and panic by teaching them skills to manage their feelings better.

Methodology

A multi-site, randomized controlled trial comparing an early intervention course to a waitlist control group.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the absence of a placebo control and the short follow-up period.

Limitations

The study lacks a placebo control and has a short follow-up period of three months.

Participant Demographics

Participants were adults over 18 years with subthreshold or mild panic disorder.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1745-6215-9-67

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