The team from the Lansdown Clinic in Glasgow developed a computer system - Stresspac - that was tested by 26 patients with chronic and severe anxiety disorders from a socially deprived area of the west of Scotland.

The researchers found that not only was there strong evidence showing that patients felt the use of a computer to be an appropriate way to treat their condition, but a substantial number said it would be their treatment of choice.

They suggest that in future each GP surgery could have a computer room to which doctors could direct appropriate patients to carry out their own treatment.

Program 'will reduce waiting times'

Dr Jim White, a chartered clinical psychologist from the Lansdown Clinic, said: "The study shows that we now have an effective form of therapy that is readily available, easily understood and personally relevant to those who need it.

"The package will help to make sure that people who need therapy receive it quickly and could help to reduce waiting times."

In their paper, the researchers write: "This approach may be applicable for a range of mental and physical health problems in primary care."

A depression option has already been added to Stresspac.

Another option is to develop the program for home use.

"Computers should not be used to replace therapists, but to augment what we do," the researchers say.

"Used sensibly, they can add another string to our bow in primary care."

DIY treatment

The computer system is based on an interactive multi-media CD-Rom program that uses a touch screen to help people who are not used to keyboards.

The program teaches patients about anxiety and associated problems like panic attacks, phobias and insomnia by posing several questions.

Based on the answers they give, patients are then able to design their own treatment.

Colour coded treatment options included:

• Learning relaxation
• Controlling stressful thoughts
• Facing up to stress
• Controlling panic attacks
• Getting a good night's sleep
• Coping with the future

Researchers found that after six months almost all the patients had improved, with 50% showing a significant improvement in their symptoms.