Published: April 28, 2015
Image: iStockphoto
A controlled trial published in the current issue of
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics reports on a new modality of performing relapse prevention in depression. Internet-based cognitive therapy with monitoring via text messages (mobile CT), in addition to treatment as usual , might offer a cost-effective way to treat recurrent depression.
Kok et al. conducted a study on remitted patients with at least 2 previous episodes of depression, randomized to mobile Cognitive Therapy in addition to treatment as usual.Results showed that residual depressive symptoms showed a small but statistically significant decrease in the intention-to-treat group over 3 months in the mobile CT group relative to the treatment as usual group.
Residual depressive symptoms after remission showed a more favourable course over 3 months in the mobile CT group compared to the treatment as usual group . These results are a first indication that mobile CT in addition to treatment as usual is effective in treating
recurrently depressed patients in remission. However, demonstration of its long-term effectiveness and replication remains necessary.
ᔥPsychotherapy and Psychosomatics
Published: September 28, 2011
Treatment via the Internet enables many more patients to get help with their depression. This has been established by the psychologist Fredrik Holländare, who has studied the effects of Internet-based CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) both on ongoing depression and for preventing relapses. The findings are presented in a doctoral dissertation at the School of Health and Medical Science at Örebro University.
“The purpose of Internet-based treatment is not to replace traditional therapy, face to face, for those who need it. But for many people it is an equally good, even better, alternative, since they can choose their own time and place,” he says.
“There is no single depression treatment that fits everybody. But the more treatments we have, the better the chance of finding the right treatment for the next person seeking help.”
The primary advantage is that more people can get access to treatment that thus far has involved a long waiting list. And for patients who risk relapsing this is an especially welcome improvement, as the shortage of trained CBT therapists limits the possibility of continued treatment. [continue reading…]
Published: August 31, 2009
In findings that could revolutionise the way psychologists treat their patients, researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and St Vincent’s Hospital have shown online treatments are just as effective as face-to-face therapies for a wide range of common mental disorders.
Anxiety, social phobias and depression are all conditions that respond well to clinician-supported internet-based treatments, the researchers found, with program participants recording recovery rates comparable to those in face-to-face therapy. [continue reading…]
