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Effectiveness of an individually-tailored computerised CBT programme (Deprexis) for depression: A meta-analysis
Conal Twomey1, Gary O'Reilly1, Björn Meyer2
1School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Department of Psychology, City, University of London, United Kingdom.
Psychiatry Research
|July 8, 2017
Summary
Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) effectively treats depression. This meta-analysis found Deprexis, an individually-tailored cCBT program, significantly reduced depressive symptoms with a medium effect size.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Digital Therapeutics
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) programs vary significantly.
- Few meta-analyses have evaluated individual cCBT programs.
- Deprexis is an unconventional, individually-tailored cCBT program for depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of Deprexis.
- To assess the impact of study quality, guidance levels, and trial type on Deprexis' effectiveness.
- To determine the dropout rate for Deprexis treatment arms.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials (N=2402).
- Inclusion of studies evaluating Deprexis for depressive symptoms.
- Analysis of effect sizes, study quality, guidance, trial type, and publication bias.
Main Results:
- Deprexis demonstrated effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms post-intervention (g = 0.54).
- Effectiveness remained consistent across varying study quality and randomization procedures.
- Guidance levels, developer-led vs. non-developer trials, and publication bias did not significantly impact results.
- The weighted-average dropout rate was 26.5%.
Conclusions:
- Deprexis is an effective individually-tailored cCBT program for depressive symptoms, particularly in community settings.
- Findings support the efficacy of tailored cCBT approaches.
- Further research is needed to understand systematic differences in cCBT program effectiveness.
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