A randomized controlled trial of internet-based therapy in depression.

TY - JOUR

T1 - A randomized controlled trial of internet-based therapy in depression.

AU - Moritz, Steffen

AU - Schilling, Lisa

AU - Hauschildt, Marit

AU - Schröder, Johanna

AU - Treszl, András

PY - 2012

Y1 - 2012

N2 - Depression is among the most prevalent disorders worldwide. In view of numerous treatment barriers, internet-based interventions are increasingly adopted to "treat the untreated". The present trial (registered as NCT01401296) was conducted over the internet and aimed to assess the efficacy of an online self-help program for depression (Deprexis). In random order, participants with elevated depression symptoms received program access or were allocated to a wait-list control condition. After eight weeks, participants were invited to take part in an online re-assessment. To compensate for common problems of online studies, such as low completion rates and unclear diagnostic status, reminders and incentives were used, and clinical diagnoses were externally confirmed in a subgroup of 29% of participants. Relative to the wait-list group, program users experienced significant symptom decline on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; primary outcome), the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS), the Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). Compared to wait-list participants, symptom decline was especially pronounced among those with moderate symptoms at baseline as well as those not currently consulting a therapist. Completion (82%) and re-test reliability of the instruments (r = .72-.87) were good. The results of this trial suggest that online treatment can be beneficial for people with depression, particularly for those with moderate symptoms.

AB - Depression is among the most prevalent disorders worldwide. In view of numerous treatment barriers, internet-based interventions are increasingly adopted to "treat the untreated". The present trial (registered as NCT01401296) was conducted over the internet and aimed to assess the efficacy of an online self-help program for depression (Deprexis). In random order, participants with elevated depression symptoms received program access or were allocated to a wait-list control condition. After eight weeks, participants were invited to take part in an online re-assessment. To compensate for common problems of online studies, such as low completion rates and unclear diagnostic status, reminders and incentives were used, and clinical diagnoses were externally confirmed in a subgroup of 29% of participants. Relative to the wait-list group, program users experienced significant symptom decline on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; primary outcome), the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS), the Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). Compared to wait-list participants, symptom decline was especially pronounced among those with moderate symptoms at baseline as well as those not currently consulting a therapist. Completion (82%) and re-test reliability of the instruments (r = .72-.87) were good. The results of this trial suggest that online treatment can be beneficial for people with depression, particularly for those with moderate symptoms.

KW - Adult

KW - Humans

KW - Male

KW - Female

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

KW - Treatment Outcome

KW - Analysis of Variance

KW - Internet

KW - Cognitive Therapy/methods

KW - Self Care/methods

KW - Depressive Disorder, Major/therapy

KW - Adult

KW - Humans

KW - Male

KW - Female

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

KW - Treatment Outcome

KW - Analysis of Variance

KW - Internet

KW - Cognitive Therapy/methods

KW - Self Care/methods

KW - Depressive Disorder, Major/therapy

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

VL - 50

SP - 513

EP - 521

JO - BEHAV RES THER

JF - BEHAV RES THER

SN - 0005-7967

IS - 7-8

M1 - 7-8

ER -