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Stresspac: A Controlled Trial of a Self-Help Package for the Anxiety Disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 June 2009

Jim White
Affiliation:
Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride

Abstract

In order to test the efficacy of a self-help anxiety management package, sixty-two individuals meeting DSM-III-R criteria for an anxiety disorder were randomly allocated to one of three conditions: Stresspac patients were given a self-help/information package. Advice only patients were offered verbal advice on ways of coping with anxiety. Patients in both conditions were seen on one occasion shortly after referral for assessment and management advice. They were then placed back on the waiting list for a three month period. Patients in the No intervention condition also completed measures during this time. They were not seen until the end of this period when formal assessment took place. All patients were then followed through individual therapy and to 12 month follow-up. Results clearly support the superiority of the Stresspac condition after the waiting period, at post therapy and at follow-up on a range of measures. Possible explanations for the results are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1995

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