Another key part of the study is to evaluate costs the cost to the patient, the cost of training the therapists, and the costs of alternative treatments such as medication. Panic and other anxiety disorders are not only costly to people suffering from them, but to the health-care industry as well. I worked with a patient who went to the emergency room every day for five years because he was convinced he was having a heart attack during panic episodes, says Addis. Conducting research in the real world, as opposed to a controlled setting, has its drawbacks, Addis says. Patients must deal with the world of managed care, and may drop out of the study for financial reasons, for example.
Therapists change jobs, or don t follow the treatment protocol.
But despite the problems, the conclusions will be more relevant for the mental-health community. When science partners with the real world, great things can happen for many people, says Addis. Graduate students Christina Hatgis, Aaron Krasnow, Karen Jacob and Inna Khazan help train therapists, provide consultation and monitor data collection. Several undergraduates help at all levels, especially in data collection.