Product Highlight
Condition targeted:
Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia*
*agoraphobia is characterized by intense fear of being in open places or situations where it may be hard to escape, or where help might not be readily available
How it works:
HelloBetter Panic is a digital therapeutic program aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms associated with panic disorder and agoraphobia. This digital intervention was developed and evaluated by a team of scientists and psychotherapists and is based on the well-established methods of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The program was found to be effective in one randomized controlled trial and has high satisfaction rates with 91% of participants saying that they would recommend it to a friend.
Impact:
Clinically proven to reduce the severity of panic and anxiety symptoms and to improve agoraphobic cognitions. Overall, HelloBetter Panic was shown to reduce fear of body sensations, avoidance, and improve mental health-related quality of life.
Product Overview
Medical condition:
HelloBetter Panic is designed for adults who meet the criteria for the following ICD-10 diagnoses: F41.0 Panic disorder, F40.01Agoraphobia with panic disorder.
Target patient population:
Individuals who wish to overcome their panic and agoraphobic symptoms.
What to expect:
HelloBetter Panic is a 12-week program that is structured into 6 units. Each unit takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete.
Note: for more information, please visit https://hellobetter.de/en/online-courses/panic/
Clinical Overview
Indications for use:
HelloBetter Panic is a digital therapeutic aimed at reducing the symptom severity of panic disorder and agoraphobia with panic disorder.
Outcomes:
Participants reported a sustained reduction of panic and agoraphobia symptom severity, agoraphobic thoughts and an increase in quality of life.
Directions:
HelloBetter Panic delivers well-founded psychoeducation via text, video and audio recordings, and teaches the well-established methods of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These include repeated exposure to internal and external anxiety-provoking stimuli, cognitive restructuring, relaxation exercises, and relapse prevention. The exercises are taught throughout the units and can be integrated into everyday life. Goals are set and formulated in such a way that they are specific, realistic, and achievable. In addition to the course units and practical exercises, the program grants access to an online journal, and recurring symptom checks to record, monitor, and evaluate one’s own progress.
Risks & warnings:
HelloBetter Panic may not be suitable for people without internet, wifi, or a mobile or desktop device. This digital therapeutic was developed and evaluated on adults aged 18 years and older.
Place in therapy:
HelloBetter Panic can be used independently or as a complement to ongoing medical and/or psychotherapeutic treatment. The program is also suitable for bridging the waiting time for a place in psychotherapy and as support after treatment has been completed.
Product Access
Product description:
HelloBetter Panic is accessible through mobile and web.
Prescription status:
A prescription is not required. In Germany, it has been listed as a digital health application (‘DiGA’), meaning that a diagnosis or prescription leads to universal reimbursement. However, individuals without a diagnosis can access the program through self-pay, or via their care provider.
Patient access:
Eligible users can access the program online or through the HelloBetter app on iOS or Android devices.
Use of this product requires access to:
- Internet or wifi
- And a mobile phone, tablet, or computer
Provider access:
Full provider access is given if providers (e.g. clinic) purchase HelloBetter through their ‘Software-As-A-Service’ offering, which allows providers to add patients, choose products for patients, guide the patients through the product via messages, chat, and regular feedback, etc. Patients may choose to export their information via a downloadable file to certain healthcare providers. This file contains all relevant information on patient progress and symptoms and can be integrated with major EHRs going forward.
Coverage options:
In Germany, HelloBetter Panic is eligible for prescription and covered by statutory health insurance in Germany – making it available free of charge to over 73 million people.
Product availability:
HelloBetter Panic is available in:
- Germany: Class I CE mark (MDR)
- Switzerland: Class I CE mark (MDR)
- Austria: Class I CE mark (MDR)
Unique Features.
HelloBetter Panic was the first clinically-validated digital intervention for the treatment of panic and agoraphobia to be permanently accepted for universal reimbursement in Germany.
Clinical Trials
The provided set of evidence represents a sample of conducted studies. For a comprehensive collection contact manufacturers directly.
- Study Title: Evaluating a Hybrid Web-Based Training Program for Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia: Randomized Controlled Trial: Randomized Controlled Trial – 2021
Study Design: Randomized controlled trial
Outcomes: The results show that individuals treated with HelloBetter Panic experienced a significantly greater reduction of panic symptom severity than participants in a wait-list control condition. The effects were stable over time and increased further 3 and 6 months after the treatment was completed.