The effectiveness of computerized cognitive behavioural therapy in routine care

The efficacy of a Computerized Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CCBT) package, Beating the Blues, has been demonstrated in a large randomized controlled trial. The current study tests the generalizability of this finding in a naturalistic non-randomized trial.

219 patients with anxiety and/or depression were recruited to receive CCBT in routine care. The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) and Work and Social Adjustment scale (WSA) were administered pre-treatment, immediately on completing treatment and at 6 months post-treatment. Single-item self-report measures of anxiety and depression were also collected during each treatment session.

Completer and intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements on the CORE-OM, WSA and in self-reported anxiety and depression. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated an average 0.29-point drop on the CORE-OM, equating to an uncontrolled pre-post effect size of 0.50. Research completers achieved an average 0.61-point drop equating to an uncontrolled pre-post size of 1.00 on the same measure. Where data was available (18%), these benefits were maintained at week 32 (6 months follow-up).

CCBT can be an effective first line tool within a stepped care framework for the management of common mental health problems.