Internet-based self-help for depression : randomised controlled trial

• 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.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi -- Tillämpad psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology -- Applied Psychology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adult

Cognitive Therapy/*methods

Depressive Disorder/*therapy

Female

Follow-Up Studies

Humans

Internet

Male

Middle Aged

Patient Compliance

Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

Self Care/*methods

Self-Help Groups

Telemedicine/*methods

Treatment Outcome

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Medicine

Medicin

Psychology

psykiatri

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)