Internet to treat panic

People who suffer panic disorders can get help from the Internet. Australian scientists from Monash University say that now it is not necessary to consult psychiatrist face-to-face. Their study shows that Internet-based treatments may be just as effective as face-to-face methods.

Panic attacks can be accompanied by anxiety and such конецформыначалоформыphysical symptoms as racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, light-headedness or nausea. When these attacks happen unexpectedly, the person has what is known as panic disorder.

The study compared the effectiveness of three types of treatment -- Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy sessions, face-to-face sessions, and the use of medication (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) monitored by a psychiatrist.

Preliminary results, based on more than two years of research, showed that Internet therapy was comparable with face-to-face treatment in reducing disturbing thoughts and improving stress and anxiety, sciencedaily.com reports.

When undertaking Internet-based therapy, sufferers of panic disorder have an initial face-to-face consultation with a psychologist and are then in regular email contact with the therapist, says eurekalert.org.

"If the online method is as effective as face-to-face sessions, as our research suggests, this is likely to improve treatment accessibility for so many people, particularly in rural areas where people may not be able to access face-to-face treatment easily," said Project Co-ordinator, Dr Litza Kiropoulos, reports Science Daily. I.L.