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.

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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Computer-Aided Psychotherapy Works, But Who’s Using It? · Buwin Technology (4/27/2008)

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