Healthcare utilization following cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia

Cogn Behav Ther. 2005;34(2):79-88. doi: 10.1080/16506070510008443.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the overall changes in healthcare services utilization after providing an empirically supported cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia. Data on healthcare utilization were collected for a total of 84 adults meeting DSM-IV criteria. Participants were completers of a cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia. Data on utilization of healthcare services and medication were obtained from semi-structured interviews from baseline to 1-year after treatment. Results of the Friedman non-parametric analysis reveal a significant decrease in overall and mental health-related costs following treatment. This study shows a significant reduction in healthcare costs following cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia. More studies are needed to examine the potential long-term cost-offset effect of empirically supported treatments for panic disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Agoraphobia / economics
  • Agoraphobia / therapy*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / economics*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • Health Care Costs*
  • Health Services / economics
  • Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Panic Disorder / economics
  • Panic Disorder / therapy*
  • Quebec
  • Statistics, Nonparametric