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Availability of Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies for Depression: A Systematic Review
John F Buss1, Joshua S Steinberg2, Gregory Banks1
1Indiana University.
Behavior Therapy
|January 12, 2024
Summary
Few internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapies (iCBTs) for depression tested in randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) are publicly available. Research-validated iCBTs contain evidence-based components but lack widespread dissemination.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Digital Therapeutics
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapies (iCBTs) show promise for treating depression.
- Assessing the public availability and therapeutic components of iCBTs tested in randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) is crucial for understanding their real-world impact.
- Dissemination of evidence-based digital mental health interventions remains a significant challenge.
Approach:
- A comprehensive literature review of RCTs for iCBTs for depression was conducted.
- The availability of 41 unique iCBTs to the public was assessed.
- The therapeutic content of these iCBTs was analyzed and compared to commercially available smartphone applications.
Key Points:
- Only 15% of iCBTs evaluated in RCTs were fully available to the public.
- A significant portion (46%) were not publicly accessible, with others having restrictions.
- iCBTs from RCTs demonstrated a higher likelihood of including evidence-based components like psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation compared to commercial apps.
Conclusions:
- While iCBTs tested in RCTs possess robust, evidence-based therapeutic content, their limited public availability hinders widespread adoption.
- Future efforts should prioritize the dissemination and accessibility of validated iCBTs beyond efficacy studies.
- Addressing the gap between research and public access is essential for maximizing the benefit of digital mental health tools for depression.
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