AUTHOR=Tsai Chan-hen , Christian Mesakh , Lai Feipei 

TITLE=Enhancing panic disorder treatment with mobile-aided case management: an exploratory study based on a 3-year cohort analysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1203194

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1203194

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=Background: 
Individuals with panic disorder frequently face ongoing symptoms, suboptimal treatment adherence, and increased relapse rates. Although mobile health interventions have shown promise in improving treatment outcomes for numerous mental health conditions, their effectiveness, specifically for panic disorder, has yet to be determined.

Objective: 
This study investigates the effects of a mobile-aided case management program on symptom reduction and quality of care among individuals with panic disorder.

Method: 
This three-year cohort study enrolled 138 participants diagnosed with panic disorder. 108 participants joined the mobile-aided case management group and 30 in the treatment-as-usual group. Data were collected at baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month treatment checkpoints using self-report questionnaires, in-depth interviews, direct observation, and medical record analysis.

Results: 
During the maintenance treatment phase, the mobile-assisted case management group decreased both panic severity (p=0.008) and state anxiety (p=0.016) more than the control group at six months. Participants who underwent case management experienced enhanced control over panic symptoms, heightened self-awareness, and elevated interpersonal support.

Conclusion: 
The mobile-aided case management is beneficial in managing panic disorder, especially maintenance treatment.