Tanna, Bhavna; (1997) No panic: How helpful is self-help recovery? Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy.), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Self-help approaches are playing an increasingly important role in the treatment of psychological and behavioural difficulties. Experimental research supports the efficacy of self-help media in the treatment of panic and agoraphobia; however, little is known about the effectiveness of treatments offered by self-help organisations. This study examined whether twenty-five participants of a self-help group telephone recovery programme, offered by a national self-help organisation ('No Panic'), reported significant and reliable reductions in symptoms of panic, agoraphobia and life disruption by the end of treatment. Fourteen of the participants also rated their symptoms at three-month follow-up. All participants were asked about their satisfaction with the group, and were with interviewed about their treatment histories and expectations of the recovery programme. Significant reductions were reported in number of panic attacks, the severity of fearful body sensation, catastrophic thoughts, anxiety and depression, agoraphobic avoidance when with a companion and symptom interference with daily life. The changes in fearful body sensations, catastrophic thoughts and anxiety and depression were maintained at follow-up. Nearly three-quarters of participants had achieved reliable change in three or more symptom measures. Only one-third were panic free at the end of the recovery group. Satisfaction at the end of the recovery programme was related to severity of fearful body sensations. At follow-up, satisfaction was related to severity of catastrophic thoughts. Qualitative data suggested that one of the satisfying aspects of the self-help recovery programme was the experience of being in a group with people who had similar difficulties. These findings, and their implications for clinical practice and future research, were discussed.

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