Abstract:
Technological advancement has created an opportunity to demonstrate psychological
service into another level of innovation to meet the need for accessibility. The objective of the
present study was to assess the suitability of computerized cognitive behavior therapy (CCBT) for
managing symptoms of panic disorder in Bangladesh. An exploratory sequential mixed method
design was applied to achieve the objectives. In the first phase, a qualitative study was done to
understand the most effective techniques and the nature of panic disorder in Bangladesh. The
second phase was focused on developing the website with the integration of relevant experts. In
the third phase, suitability was checked based on the findings of the quantitative study. The total
number of enrollments in the first session was 64. Among them, 30 (51.56%) participants
completed the entire session. They used the website fosr three to four months. Three standardized
measurements were used to see the suitability. Those were the severity measure of panic disorder-
adults, panic disorder severity scale, and anxiety scale. Besides, the satisfaction with the treatment
scale was translated, and a checklist of subjective ratings for panic symptoms was developed from
the finding of the desk review. CCBT significantly reduced the severity of the panic disorder, panic
symptoms, and associated anxiety symptoms. The severity of panic symptoms changed
significantly post-intervention (t=, p<.001). A significant change in post-intervention was also
shown in the severity of panic disorder ((t=, p<.001). Besides these changes, the severity of anxiety
level is also significantly changed ((t=, p<.001) in post intervention. Self-reported rating of
symptoms also showed changes in cognitive symptoms, physiological reactions, emotions, and
safety behaviors in the post-intervention phase. In the treatment satisfaction scale, Participants
rated the CCBT package as credible and satisfactory regarding presentability, effective strategies,
personal development, and program evaluation. Participants also criticized CCBT for the therapist's absence. This research also suggested areas of improvement, factors to maintain the
program, and barriers to the availability of the service. An effective study, including follow-up
sessions, is required to ensure further development of the CCBT package.
