Follow-Up Research on Agoraphobics.

In vivo exposure is the most commonly used and generally the most effective behavioral treatment for agoraphobia. Follow-up studies are difficult to interpret because additional treatment does not necessarily indicate relapse and non-treatment does not necessarily indicate non-relapse. Relapse rates are difficult to estimate because of lack of consensus on the definition of relapse. Relapse factors include reliance on anti-depressant medication and such measures of personality and psychopathology as marital status, locus of control, social anxiety, depression, and early compliance with treatment. Other variables are work satisfaction, negative thinking, socioeconomic status, and frequency of panic attacks. Maintenance of agoraphobics has been shown to be enhanced through the use of the following techniques: (1) marital therapy for disstressed couples; (2) maintenance homework including exposure and applied relaxation; and (3) panic reduction, especially methods not using medication such as reducing marital conflict and increasing problem solving skills. Finally, agoraphobics need to be encouraged to adopt a healthy life style and to be self-nurturing. (ABL)