The Use of Videoconference in the Treatment of Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia in a Housebound Woman

Abstract

Individuals with Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia (PD/A) experience recurrent unexpected panic attacks and anxiety about the attacks along with significant anxiety about being in places or situations in which it would be difficult to escape or receive assistance if a panic attack were to occur. Feared situations are endured with extreme distress or avoided entirely. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for PD and PD/A. In this case study, interoceptive exposure (IE) therapy and in vivo exposure therapy were used to treat a 30-year-old housebound woman. Following in-home assessment, psychoeducation, and a limited number of exposure sessions, clinical services were transitioned from in-home to using videoconferencing until in vivo exposure sessions began outside the home. The client was able to meet all behavioral goals by the end of treatment and no longer met criteria for PD/A. This case demonstrates the treatment effectiveness in an individual. Future research should seek to conduct randomized control trials to determine whether videoconference is an efficacious method of delivery for PD/A. This case demonstrates evidence for videoconferencing as an effective tool in treatment delivery for PD/A.