BACKGROUND: Major depression can be treated by means of cognitive-behavioural therapy, but as skilled therapists are in short supply there is a need for self-help approaches. Many individuals with depression use the internet for discussion of symptoms and to share their experience. AIMS: To investigate the effects of an internet-administered self-help programme including participation in a monitored, web-based discussion group, compared with participation in web-based discussion group only. METHOD: A randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy with minimal therapist contact (plus participation in a discussion group) with the effects of participation in a discussion group only. RESULTS: Internet-based therapy with minimal therapist contact, combined with activity in a discussion group, resulted in greater reductions of depressive symptoms compared with activity in a discussion group only (waiting-list control group). At 6 months' follow-up, improvement was maintained to a large extent. CONCLUSIONS:Internet-delivered cognitive cognitive-behavioural therapy should be pursued further as a complement or treatment alternative for mild-to-moderate depression.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Major depression can be treated by means of cognitive-behavioural therapy, but as skilled therapists are in short supply there is a need for self-help approaches. Many individuals with depression use the internet for discussion of symptoms and to share their experience. AIMS: To investigate the effects of an internet-administered self-help programme including participation in a monitored, web-based discussion group, compared with participation in web-based discussion group only. METHOD: A randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy with minimal therapist contact (plus participation in a discussion group) with the effects of participation in a discussion group only. RESULTS: Internet-based therapy with minimal therapist contact, combined with activity in a discussion group, resulted in greater reductions of depressive symptoms compared with activity in a discussion group only (waiting-list control group). At 6 months' follow-up, improvement was maintained to a large extent. CONCLUSIONS: Internet-delivered cognitive cognitive-behavioural therapy should be pursued further as a complement or treatment alternative for mild-to-moderate depression.
Authors: Lisa B Sheeber; John R Seeley; Edward G Feil; Betsy Davis; Erik Sorensen; Derek B Kosty; Peter M Lewinsohn Journal: J Consult Clin Psychol Date: 2012-06-04
Authors: Virginia A Reed; Karen E Schifferdecker; Michael E Rezaee; Sharon O'Connor; Robin J Larson Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2011-07-30 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Francisco Rodriguez-Pulido; Gema Castillo; Sofiane Hamrioui; Laura Delgado Martin; Pilar Vazquez-Beltrán; Isabel de la Torre-Díez; Manuel A Franco-Martín Journal: J Med Syst Date: 2020-02-13 Impact factor: 4.460