Guided Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for mild and moderate depression: A benchmarking study
Hanne Jakobsen1,2, Gerhard Andersson3,4, Odd E Havik2
1Mosjøen District Psychiatric Center, Helgeland Hospital HF, Norway.
Internet Interventions
|August 24, 2018
Summary
Guided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (guided iCBT) effectively treats mild to moderate depression, showing significant symptom reduction and recovery rates in a Norwegian pilot study. This accessible treatment approach demonstrates promising outcomes for widespread mental health support.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Psychology
- Digital Mental Health
- Psychotherapy Research
Background:
- Major depression is a leading cause of disability globally, with significant societal and individual costs.
- Effective treatments for depression are available but often face accessibility challenges.
- Guided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (guided iCBT) offers a scalable solution to improve access to mental health care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of a guided iCBT program for mild and moderate depression.
- To assess the dissemination of a guided iCBT program from Sweden to Norway.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes, including symptom reduction and recovery rates.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 22 participants with mild to moderate depression in Norway.
- Implementation of a guided iCBT intervention by supervised student therapists.
- Assessment of depressive and anxiety symptoms pre- and post-treatment, and at 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Large treatment effects were observed for depressive symptoms and small to medium effects for anxiety symptoms.
- Over half (55%) of participants achieved recovery post-treatment, with 41% recovered at follow-up.
- Outcomes were comparable to original Swedish studies, with slightly higher post-treatment effects but slightly lower follow-up effects.
Conclusions:
- Guided iCBT is a viable and effective treatment for mild to moderate depression when disseminated to new settings.
- The study supports the potential of guided iCBT to increase treatment accessibility.
- Further research with larger sample sizes and control groups is warranted to confirm these findings.
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