Anxiety is one of the most common psychological challenges today, affecting millions of people and often going untreated. Many who suffer from generalized anxiety, panic attacks, or agoraphobia face unique barriers to accessing traditional therapy—some are afraid to leave their homes, while others fear dependency on a therapist, only to relapse when treatment ends.
But what if people could make meaningful progress at home, on their own terms?
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology evaluated a widely available multimedia self-help program called Attacking Anxiety, and the results are promising.
A Closer Look at Self-Help for Anxiety
The study focused on a widely available multimedia program called Attacking Anxiety, which combines videos, audio recordings, and written guides. Created for individuals struggling with anxiety disorders, the program has been on the market for years, but until now had not been rigorously studied for real-world outcomes.
Researchers from Brigham Young University and Human Affairs International tracked 176 individuals who voluntarily purchased and used the program. These participants weren’t just casually anxious; many had battled anxiety for years—35% for over two decades. In fact, 40% had gone to the emergency room for anxiety-related issues, and nearly half had seen a doctor at least 10 times in just two years.
Real People, Real Progress
Participants completed surveys and a standardized psychological questionnaire (the Outcome Questionnaire-45) over the course of several weeks. The program's impact was clear: after just 2–4 weeks, participants showed a treatment effect size of 0.75. By 6 weeks, it rose to 1.08—a strong effect by psychological standards.
Notably, 24% were classified as “recovered” and another 37% as “improved.” That means over 60% of users saw meaningful, measurable progress. Just one person reported feeling worse—a strong signal of the program’s safety.
What This Means for Anxiety Treatment
While the study doesn't claim to prove causation or replace therapy, it offers hopeful news: motivated individuals can find relief from chronic anxiety symptoms using structured, self-guided programs. These findings suggest that self-help tools can be more than just motivational fluff—they can be part of a real solution.
The study also sheds light on who benefits most. Those who engaged consistently and followed the program closely showed the greatest improvements. However, older and more educated participants didn’t see as much progress, suggesting the need for future tailoring or blended approaches combining self-help with professional support.
A Step Forward—But Not the Final Word
This research is a strong first step toward validating multimedia self-help as a credible option for anxiety treatment. As always, more rigorous trials are needed. But for those stuck in the cycle of anxiety and unsure where to begin, this study offers encouragement: help might be just a play button away.