Self-help plus minimal therapist contact in the treatment of panic disorder: A replication and extension

A self-help (SH) treatment for panic disorder was compared to a wait-list (WL) control. The SH treatment consisted of reading the book Coping With Panic, watching a 15-minute videotape providing information regarding panic attacks and instruction in diaphragmatic breathing, and being provided with a relaxation tape that taught progressive muscle relaxation. Evidence strongly supported the effectiveness of SH relative to WL both at posttreatment and at 2-month follow-up. The results provide support for the possible treatment of panic disorder with SH methods.