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Personality change after Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for depression
Robert Johansson1, Caroline Lyssarides, Gerhard Andersson
1Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden.
Peerj
|May 3, 2013
Summary
Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) significantly altered Harm avoidance (HA) and Self-Directedness (SD) in depressed patients. These personality changes were linked to overall depression improvement, not solely the therapy itself.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) measures personality dimensions.
- Harm avoidance (HA) and Self-Directedness (SD) dimensions of the TCI are affected by depressed mood.
- Previous research indicates TCI dimensions can be influenced by mood states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in HA and SD after 10 weeks of Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT).
- To compare personality changes between treatment responders and non-responders.
- To explore changes in other TCI dimensions post-ICBT.
Main Methods:
- 108 clinically depressed subjects were randomized to ICBT or a moderated online discussion group (control).
- Interventions lasted 10 weeks, with TCI measured at baseline and post-treatment.
- Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in HA and SD were observed after ICBT, but not significantly different from the control group.
- Treatment responders showed greater changes in HA, SD, and Cooperativeness compared to non-responders.
- Exploratory analysis indicated potential changes in other TCI dimensions.
Conclusions:
- ICBT led to significant changes in HA and SD in depressed individuals.
- Personality shifts appear correlated with depression symptom improvement rather than a direct therapeutic effect of ICBT.
- Responder status is associated with more pronounced personality alterations.
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