B. A. B. P. Annual Conference July, 1976 - Abstracts of Papers: A Home-Treatment Programme for Agoraphobia

Abstract

Examination of the results of previous treatment trials suggests that although behavioural treatment is effective in reducing agoraphobic symptoms, a large amount of treatment time is required, and patients tend to make no further gains when regular therapy sessions stop. A treatment programme was developed which was designed to provide an on-going alternative within the patient's own environment for the instructions and support normally given by the therapist, with the intention of reducing therapist time requirements and maintaining progress in the absence of contact during follow-up. This was done by incorporating the following features: detailed but easily understood instructions were given in written form as well as in discussion, all practice was carried out from the patients' own home, the patients spouse was actively involved in planning and encouraging practice attempts, and both patient and spouse were asked to take overall responsibility for running the programme themselves. Instructions were given in the form of manuals which contained material covering the nature of agoraphobic symptoms, the selection of targets, graded practice and suggestions for panic management.