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

The British Journal of Psychiatry has recently published a study showing the positive effects of Internet-based self-help for depression. While not the strongest study ever designed, it helps bolster empirical support for the use of self-help support methods online.

The abstract:

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.

The citation:

Internet-based self-help for depression: randomised controlled trial
ANDERSSON et al. Br J Psychiatry. 2005; 187: 456-461.

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 7 Nov 2005
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.