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Published on: January 18, 2021
Randomized controlled trial of Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder
Jay Spence1, Nickolai Titov, Blake F Dear
1Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD), St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia. jspence@stvincents.com.au
Background:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and disabling condition and few receive appropriate care. Internet-based treatment of PTSD shows promise in reducing barriers to care and preliminary evidence suggests it is efficacious in treating symptoms of PTSD.
Methodology:
Forty-two individuals with a diagnosis of PTSD confirmed by clinician interview completed a randomized controlled comparison of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a waitlist control condition.
Principle Findings:
Large pre- to posttreatment effect sizes (ESs) were found for the Treatment group on measures of PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and disability. A small between-group ES was found for PTSD symptoms and moderate between-group ESs were found for depression, anxiety, and disability.
Conclusions:
Results provide preliminary support for Internet-based CBT as an efficacious treatment for individuals with a confirmed primary diagnosis of PTSD.
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