Self-help materials for anxiety: A randomized controlled trial in general practice

Peter Donnan, R. Paxton, B. Grant, M. Firth, Allen Hutchinson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The efficacy of a self-help package in treating chronic anxiety was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial in which the intervention group received self-help materials in the form of an audiotape and booklet, in addition to their current treatment. The intervention was successful in terms of mean depression scores (P = 0.01), anxiety scores (P = 0.04) and general health questionnaire scores (P = 0.02) which were significantly lower for the intervention group than for the controls. In addition, the depression scores fell faster for the intervention group than for the controls. The overall mean reduction in three months in adjusted depression scores was approximately two points greater for the intervention group than for the controls (P = 0.02). Clinicians welcomed the package as a valuable addition to the therapies available for managing chronic anxiety problems. Further studies should include larger sample sizes, taking into account the non-response to postal questionnaires over time.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)498-501
Number of pages4
JournalBritish Journal of General Practice
Volume40
Issue number341
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1990

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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