Improving Treatment of Panic Disorder in NHS Talking Therapies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving Talking Therapies Treatment of Panic Disorder: A Randomised Parallel Trial
IRAS ID
363155
Contact name
Paul Salkovskis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 3 days
Research summary
Background: There is a need to improve the recovery rates for panic disorder in NHS Talking Therapies (NHSTT). Research has shown that training therapists in a focused treatment that is specific for panic disorder (known as 'Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)') can improve outcomes. This treatment involves supplementing therapy sessions with workbook modules for participants to complete. A previous trial we conducted using this methodology found Focused CBT resulted in better treatment outcomes for panic disorder compared to the current treatment in two NHSTT services at the 'low-intensity' level. Therefore this study is being conducted to try and replicate these results on a larger scale but also to see if Focused CBT treatment outcomes are comparable to more High Intensity (HI) treatment in NHSTT.
Questions: (1) Can we replicate previous study findings with a new, larger sample and are focused CBT outcomes comparable to Step Three HI therapy? (2) Is there a difference in the clinical outcomes of depression, anxiety and one’s daily functioning between individuals with panic disorder who receive focused CBT compared to those who receive low intensity Treatment As Usual (TAU) and those who receive High Intensity TAU? (3) Does agoraphobic avoidance and panic cognitions improve in line with panic outcomes?
Design: Randomised parallel trial. We will be randomly allocate participants to one of the three treatments and monitor outcomes.
Importance: To see if previous outcomes can be observed with greater statistical power as it will have implications for rolling out this approach in NHSTT nationally.
What is involved: Participants will be randomly allocated to one treatment condition, undergo treatment by trained therapists and undergo pre and post assessments to monitor changes.
Funding: The present study received funding from the Oxford Health NIHR Biomedical Research Centre under the Psychological Treatments Theme 2022-2027.
Recruitment Site: Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0156
Date of REC Opinion
15 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion