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Computer-administered therapy for depression
P M Selmi1, M H Klein, J H Greist
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53792.
M.D. Computing : Computers in Medical Practice
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved depression symptoms compared to a waitlist control. Both computer and therapist-delivered treatments showed comparable effectiveness for major or minor depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Major and minor depression are significant public health concerns.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an established treatment for depression.
- The efficacy of computer-based CBT (cCBT) requires further evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cCBT for major or minor depression.
- To compare cCBT with traditional therapist-delivered CBT and a waitlist control group.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 36 patients diagnosed with major or minor depression.
- Participants were assigned to three groups: cCBT, therapist-delivered CBT, or a waitlist control.
- Depression severity was assessed using the Beck Inventory, Hamilton Rating Scale, and Symptom Checklist-90-R.
Main Results:
- Both cCBT and therapist-delivered CBT groups showed significant improvements in depression symptoms compared to the waitlist control group.
- These improvements were sustained at a 2-month follow-up.
- No significant differences in outcomes were observed between the cCBT and therapist-delivered CBT groups.
Conclusions:
- Computer-based CBT is an effective treatment for major and minor depression.
- cCBT offers a viable alternative to traditional therapist-delivered CBT.
- Further research should explore long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness.