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Individually-tailored, Internet-based treatment for anxiety disorders: A randomized controlled trial
Per Carlbring1, Linda Maurin, Charlotta Törngren
1Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Sweden. per@carlbring.se
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|November 5, 2010
Summary
Tailored internet-based therapy significantly improved anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients. This personalized approach showed lasting positive effects for up to two years post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Digital Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Internet-based interventions show promise for specific anxiety disorders.
- Current approaches often lack personalization for individual patient needs and comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel, tailored Internet-based therapy approach for anxiety.
- To assess the efficacy of personalized online treatment modules with therapist guidance.
Main Methods:
- 54 participants with anxiety were randomized to a 10-week tailored Internet therapy or a control group.
- Treatment involved individually prescribed online modules and therapist support.
- Outcomes measured included anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed across all measures immediately post-treatment and at 1- and 2-year follow-ups.
- Mean between-group effect size (Cohen's d) was 0.69 post-treatment.
- Mean within-group effect sizes ranged from 1.04 to 1.15 at post-treatment and follow-ups.
Conclusions:
- Tailoring Internet-based therapy is a feasible and effective approach for treating anxiety.
- Personalized digital mental health interventions demonstrate sustained positive outcomes.
- This approach holds potential for improving anxiety treatment in homogeneous populations.
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