Back in December 2007, the British Journal of Psychiatry published an editorial examining the use of computers to help aid people with mental health concerns. Most of these programs focus on psychoeducational techniques (sort of like distance learning) of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). One of the things that CBT is well-known for, compared to many other psychotherapy techniques, is that it is heavily researched (with generally positive results — if you’re looking for a proven psychotherapy technique, CBT is it).
The BJP editorial looked at the studies that have examined computer-aided psychotherapy systems and found an amazing 103 randomized-controlled trials (out of 175 studies total). While the abstract doesn’t describe how many patients were enrolled in these 103 trials, it is still an amazing number consider how little most people know of such programs, much less have even heard of them.
These programs are apparently rapidly expanding, but I have yet to hear of them hitting the mainstream. I know of a few people who’ve tried them, but the feedback I’ve received is that they ultimately have limited usefulness. People enjoy them for the techniques they help explain, but it seems that lacking a human to reply to (and be responsible for the homework), computer-aided psychotherapy may be limited in its real-world applicability and usefulness.
I think this is one of those prime examples of a disconnect between the research world and real world. While such programs have been available for decades (yes, decades), they can’t really replace the face-to-face interactions of psychotherapy with a real live therapist. And while they may be helpful in teaching core components of cognitive behavioral therapy, a myriad of self-help books and therapy itself has done the same thing for much longer. Computer-aided psychotherapy can certainly help people who may otherwise not seek out therapy on their own, or for economic or other reasons, cannot do so.
But if people aren’t using it much outside of the research world, then it’s all for naught.
Reference
Marks I.M., Cavanagh K. & Gega L. (2007). Computer-aided psychotherapy: revolution or bubble? Br J Psychiatry, 191, 471-3.
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Computer-Aided Psychotherapy Works, But Who’s Using It? · Buwin Technology (4/27/2008)
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4 Comments to
“Computer-Aided Psychotherapy Works, But Who’s Using It?”
The Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care, known as SBU published july 2007 an article about same topic: Computer-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders or Depression, http://sbu.se/en/Published/Alert/Computer-Based-Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy-for-Anxiety-Disorders-or-Depression/
i have to disagree with Dr. Grohol’s assessment of computer-aided psychotherapy. I use a software application called “Optimism” at home in conjunction with a weekly therapist and psychopharmacologist visit. I think it helps me a lot. The fact the I have to produce a report daily that includes my sleep pattern and exercise, caffein abuse, etc. has sharpened my awareness about what I can do to help myself.
These are viable depression management skills that ought to be adopted universally. Insurance companies ought to make them mandatory if they prove to cut the frequency of hospital stays. And it is such a cheap add-on to therapy that signals patient compliance.
I’d love to hear from others who’ve tried computer-aided psychotherapy and their experiences with it.
Hi John, I thought your article on computer aided psychotherapy was really interesting.As a psychotherapist myself I suppose I am quite biased. I feel there are advantages and disadvantages and lots of people could benefit from this kind of intervention as an immediate source with the view to accessing professional help at some point in the future, (especially People who are housebound and cannot get domicillary visits) but like yourself I feel it is no match for the empathy and experience that one obtains from the theraputic space.
Many thanks
Regards
Dawn Pugh
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 27 Apr 2008
