Agoraphobia: a critical review of methodology in behavioural treatment research

This review focuses on the methodological status of the literature on behavioural treatment of agoraphobia. Thirty-three studies published between 1963 and 1979 are analysed using a methodological rating scale by which each study is assessed on the extent to which it meets eight basic criteria for outcome research. It is concluded that methodological weaknesses in these reports make questionable any general conclusions about the value of the behavioural treatment of agoraphobia, and recommendations are made concerning possible changes in the future direction of research in this area.