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.
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 7 Nov 2005
