Jill M Newby1, Louise Mewton2, Alishia D Williams2, Gavin Andrews2. 1. Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St. Vincent׳s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: j.newby@unsw.edu.au. 2. Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St. Vincent׳s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural treatment (iCBT) has been shown to be effective for the combined treatment of depression and anxiety in randomised controlled trials. The degree to which these findings generalise to patients in primary care awaits further investigation. METHODS: Using an open-trial design, we investigated adherence to, and effectiveness of a 6-lesson therapist-assisted iCBT program for mixed anxiety and depression for patients (n = 707) who completed the program under the supervision of primary care clinicians (general practitioners, psychologists and other allied health professionals). Primary outcome measures were the PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (generalised anxiety), K-10 (distress), WHODAS-II (disability), mini-SPIN (social anxiety) and panic disorder severity scale self-report version (PDSS). RESULTS: Adherence to the iCBT program was modest (47.3%), but within-subjects effect sizes ranged from medium (0.51 for PDSS) to large (1.20 for PHQ-9). LIMITATIONS: The lack of control group, limited post-treatment data due to drop-out, and short follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: iCBT is an effective treatment for mixed depression and anxiety when delivered in primary care settings. Methods to increase adherence are needed to optimise the benefits to patients.
BACKGROUND: Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural treatment (iCBT) has been shown to be effective for the combined treatment of depression and anxiety in randomised controlled trials. The degree to which these findings generalise to patients in primary care awaits further investigation. METHODS: Using an open-trial design, we investigated adherence to, and effectiveness of a 6-lesson therapist-assisted iCBT program for mixed anxiety and depression for patients (n = 707) who completed the program under the supervision of primary care clinicians (general practitioners, psychologists and other allied health professionals). Primary outcome measures were the PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (generalised anxiety), K-10 (distress), WHODAS-II (disability), mini-SPIN (social anxiety) and panic disorder severity scale self-report version (PDSS). RESULTS: Adherence to the iCBT program was modest (47.3%), but within-subjects effect sizes ranged from medium (0.51 for PDSS) to large (1.20 for PHQ-9). LIMITATIONS: The lack of control group, limited post-treatment data due to drop-out, and short follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS:iCBT is an effective treatment for mixed depression and anxiety when delivered in primary care settings. Methods to increase adherence are needed to optimise the benefits to patients.
Authors: Paolo Fusar-Poli; Marco Solmi; Natascia Brondino; Cathy Davies; Chungil Chae; Pierluigi Politi; Stefan Borgwardt; Stephen M Lawrie; Josef Parnas; Philip McGuire Journal: World Psychiatry Date: 2019-06 Impact factor: 49.548
Authors: Carla Morgan; Elizabeth Mason; Jill M Newby; Alison E J Mahoney; Megan J Hobbs; John McAloon; Gavin Andrews Journal: Internet Interv Date: 2017-10-24
Authors: Jennifer Apolinário-Hagen; Mathias Harrer; Fanny Kählke; Lara Fritsche; Christel Salewski; David Daniel Ebert Journal: JMIR Ment Health Date: 2018-05-15