Computers in assessment and cognitive behavioral treatment of clinical disorders: Anxiety as a case in point

Computers have the potential to provide effective assessment and to assist in the provision of therapy at relatively low cost. This article reviews the research on computer programs for the assessment and cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders. Empirical findings on the use of computers for clinical diagnoses, as substitutes for paper and pencil assessment measures, as the sole providers of behavior therapy, and as an adjunct to clinician guidance are presented. In addition to being the first critical review of the methodology of this research, this paper describes desktop and ambulatory computer technology and programs, discusses their advantages and disadvantages, and provides suggestions for future research. Although this review focuses on anxiety disorder research, most of the basic points that are made with respect to the computer technology and research apply to computer assessment and therapy as it relates to other disorders.