As practitioners in the field of online therapy, it's crucial to continuously improve our approaches based on empirical evidence. A recent study titled "Posttreatment Attrition and Its Predictors, Attrition Bias, and Treatment Efficacy of the Anxiety Online Programs" offers valuable insights into posttreatment attrition and its predictors, and the efficacy of online treatment programs for anxiety disorders. This blog will summarize the key findings and suggest practical applications for improving your practice.
Understanding Posttreatment Attrition
The study found a high posttreatment attrition rate of 88.83%, which is comparable to other fully automated self-help programs. Several predictors of attrition were identified:
- Higher Kessler-6 total score
- Younger age
- Learning style (prefer reading, hearing, and doing over looking and watching)
- Not receiving mental health assistance
- Not hearing about the program from traditional media or family/friends
These findings suggest that younger participants and those with higher psychological distress are less likely to complete posttreatment assessments. Additionally, participants who are more actively engaged in their learning and those receiving concurrent mental health support are more likely to complete posttreatment assessments.
Addressing Attrition in Your Practice
To reduce attrition rates and improve treatment outcomes, consider the following strategies:
- Enhance engagement for younger participants through interactive and multimedia content.
- Provide additional support for participants with higher psychological distress, such as regular check-ins or supplementary resources.
- Encourage participants to seek concurrent mental health support if they are not already doing so.
- Utilize multiple channels to promote your program, including traditional media and word-of-mouth.
Efficacy of Online Treatment Programs
The study also demonstrated the efficacy of five fully automated self-help programs for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia (PD/A), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Significant improvements were observed in:
- Reduction in anxiety-specific severity scores
- Decrease in the number of diagnosed disorders
- Increase in self-confidence in managing mental health issues
- Improvement in overall quality of life
These results reinforce the effectiveness of online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs in treating various anxiety disorders.
Implementing Research Findings
Incorporating these findings into your practice can enhance the effectiveness of your online therapy programs. Consider adopting evidence-based strategies to reduce attrition and improve treatment outcomes. Regularly review and adapt your approaches based on the latest research to ensure the best possible outcomes for your clients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Posttreatment Attrition and Its Predictors, Attrition Bias, and Treatment Efficacy of the Anxiety Online Programs.
