Internet May Aid In Treating Panic Sufferers

Internet-based treatments for sufferers of panic disorder may be just as effective as face-to-face methods, a study by Monash University (Australia) researchers has found. Project Co-ordinator, Dr Litza Kiropoulos, said the results supported a new method of treatment for sufferers of panic disorder that was convenient and flexible to people throughout Australia. The study shows that Internet-based treatments may be just as effective as face-to-face methods. Preliminary results, based on more than two years of research, showed that Internet therapy was comparable with face-to-face treatment in reducing disturbing thoughts and improving stress and anxiety.

When undertaking Internet-based therapy, sufferers of panic disorder have an initial face-to-face consultation with a psychologist and are then in regular email contact with the therapist… Science Daily.
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“You’ve got treatment!” Not just for Sleepless in Seattle. Also for Panicked in Perth and Anxious in Adelaide.

And the advantage is not just in helping the rural population. This cuts the cost. A psychologist can handle far more clients via e-mail. The treatment was cognitive behavior therapy. That is rather like education and training. So it is reasonable to think that communication methods that prove effective for education and training may also work with cognitive-behavior therapy.

Now for some speculation: People may benefit from some education and training about themselves. Say, for example, about their cognition and behavior. They could do that on the web also. On their own. Without having anything wrong with them. Maybe just curious. Maybe just ambitious. Maybe just wanting to get a little better at what they do. That, at least, is the concept behind such sites as the ABCs of self-help, Psych Central, and the Thinkerer.