Efficacy, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of self-help interventions for anxiety disorders: systematic review

Lewis, Catrin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3818-9377, Pearce, Jennifer and Bisson, Jonathan Ian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5170-1243 2012. Efficacy, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of self-help interventions for anxiety disorders: systematic review. British Journal of Psychiatry 200 (1) , pp. 15-21. 10.1192/bjp.bp.110.084756

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Abstract

Background Self-help interventions for psychiatric disorders represent an increasingly popular alternative to therapist-administered psychological therapies, offering the potential of increased access to cost-effective treatment. Aims To determine the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of self-help interventions for anxiety disorders. Method Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of self-help interventions for anxiety disorders were identified by searching nine online databases. Studies were grouped according to disorder and meta-analyses were conducted where sufficient data were available. Overall meta-analyses of self-help v. waiting list and therapist-administered treatment were also undertaken. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two researchers according to criteria set out by the Cochrane Collaboration. Results Thirty-one RCTs met inclusion criteria for the review. Results of the overall meta-analysis comparing self-help with waiting list gave a significant effect size of 0.84 in favour of self-help. Comparison of self-help with therapist-administered treatments revealed a significant difference in favour of the latter with an effect size of 0.34. The addition of guidance and the presentation of multimedia or web-based self-help materials improved treatment outcome. Conclusions Self-help interventions appear to be an effective way of treating individuals diagnosed with social phobia and panic disorder. Further research is required to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and acceptability of these interventions.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics (CNGG) Medicine
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Publisher:	Royal College of Psychiatrists
ISSN:	0007-1250
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2022 02:12
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/37770

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