UTILIZATION OF BEHAVIORAL-METHODS IN A MULTICENTER ANXIETY DISORDERS STUDY

Background: There are abundant data to justify the use of behavioral m ethods in treating patients with anxiety disorders. Yet there also is evidence that these methods have been underutilized in treating these patients. In this study we examined a large sample of patients with an xiety disorders to determine the extent to which behavior therapy meth ods were used in their treatment. Method: As part of a multicenter lon gitudinal study of patients with anxiety disorders in New England, we analyzed data pertinent to the type of treatment received by 231 patie nts at nine study sites. Study subjects received a battery of intervie w and self-report instruments administered by trained study interviewe rs at intake and at 6-month follow-up. A Psychosocial Treatments Inter -view designed by study personnel and administered by study interviewe rs at 6 months after intake provided data as to types of psychosocial treatment received by study subjects. Results: Behavioral methods were used less frequently than supportive psychotherapy, medication, or ps ychodynamic psychotherapy. Among behavioral treatments, relaxation and imaginal exposure were used more frequently than in vivo exposure. Ob sessive compulsive disorder and agoraphobia without panic were the dia gnoses most likely to be treated behaviorally. Behavioral methods were used more frequently in combination with other modalities than they w ere alone. Conclusion: When compared with previous studies, the freque ncy of utilization of behavioral methods appears to have increased mod erately. But our data are still consistent with a pattern of inappropr iately low utilization of these effective treatment methods.