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 studied and clinically proven in one randomized controlled trial. This program has high satisfaction rates with 91 percent 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, F40.01 Agoraphobia 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’ panic and agoraphobia symptom severity was a third lower on average immediately after completing the program as compared to their reported symptoms before starting. This reduction in symptom severity improved further over time to an average of 52% after 6 months.
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, a companion app, 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 therapy 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, and download the HelloBetter companion 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)
Unique Features.
HelloBetter Panic was the first panic DTx to be permanently accepted for universal reimbursement in Germany.
Clinical Trials
- Study Title: Evaluating a Hybrid Web-Based Training Program for Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia: Randomized Controlled Trial: Randomized Controlled Trial – 2020
Study Design: Randomized controlled trial
Outcomes: The results show that individuals treated with HelloBetter Panic experienced a significantly greater panic symptom severity reduction than participants in a wait-list control condition. The effects were stable over time and increased further after the treatment was completed.