The limits of bibliotherapy: A study of the differential effectiveness of self-administered interventions in individuals with panic attacks

The present study compared the differential effectiveness of bibliotherapy with no therapist contact (bibliotherapy alone), and bibliotherapy plus dai ly self-monitoring and self-administered feedback (bibliotherapy plus monit oring), to daily self-monitoring and self-administered feedback (monitoring alone) and wait-list controls, in individuals with panic attacks. A repeat ed-measures MANOVA revealed no Condition x Time interaction or condition ef fect. However, a main effect for time across conditions emerged. Univariate tests revealed significant reductions from pre to posttreatment for all gr oups for full-blown panic attacks, avoidance, panic cognitions, and panic;s ymptoms. The results of this study cast doubt on the efficacy of bibliother apy and self-monitoring interventions when utilized absent from contact wit h a professional who conducts the assessment and monitors treatment complia nce.