When you’re agoraphobic, getting to see a therapist can be very tricky. A cognitive behavioural therapist is unlikely to be local and for most people this means deciding whether they can face a journey in order to get help.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT for short) is normally recommended for panic attacks and agoraphobia as it has the most evidence that it will work. But there isn’t enough therapists and waiting lists can be long. To address this problem, the goverment has introduced a computerised self-help programme. This is a real boon for agoraphobics – you can now get some help at home without having to go through a difficult journey.
The only programme currently recommended for agoraphobics, panic disorder and other phobias is called FearFighter. This programme can be accessed via any computer with an internet connection. Another advantage of a computerised programme is that it can be accessed instantly, cutting out the long waits for therapy. FearFighter has been tested through clinical trials and has proven to be an effective therapy.
Your GP simply prescribes you access to FearFighter and arranges for you to be sent a password to use the site. You also have some telephone support. There is a legal duty for all Primary Care Trusts to make this treatment available but of course, some can be quicker than others to implement a new treatment. It’s worth asking your GP to find out if it’s available in your area.You can also buy the programme privately, at a cost of £350 from the FearFighter website. You can also find out more about the programme there.
I’d be interested in knowing how easy you’ve found this programme to get through your GP and whether it helped…
