Adverse effects in internet-based cognitive-behavior versus psychodynamic therapy

• Background: Internet-based psychological treatments provide many benefits for patients with psychiatric disorders, but research also suggests that negative effects might occur from the interventions involved.Methods: A total of 2400 participants presenting with anxiety and/or depression were randomized into 12 subgroups (n=200 each) based on treatment modality (Cognitive Behavior Therapy vs. Psychodynamic Therapy vs. Waitlist), duration (8 vs. 16 weeks), and moderated discussion forum (Yes vs. No). In addition to weekly measurements of the primary outcome measure (PHQ-9 & GAD-7), the Negative Effects Questionnaire was administered post-treatment. The Negative Effects Questionnaire has been proposed as a valuable instrument for investigating the negative effects of psychological treatments. An exploratory factor analysis suggested a six-factor solution: symptoms (“I felt more worried”), quality (“I did not always understand my treatment”), dependency (“I think that I have developed a dependency on my treatment”), stigma (“I became afraid that other people would find out about my treatment”), hopelessness (“I started thinking that the issue I was seeking help for could not be made any better”), and failure (“I lost faith in myself”).Results: All 2400 participants have been recruited. However, all post-assessment data is not yet collected at the time of writing (but will be by the time of the conference). This talk will focus on the occurrence and characteristics of the potential negative effects of internet-based treatment in the 12 subgroups.Discussion: Negative effects of psychotherapy are multifaceted, warranting careful considerations for them to be monitored and reported in research settings and routine care.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

cognitive-behavior therapy

psychodynamic therapy

internet-based

negative effects

psykologi

Psychology

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)