Abstract
BackgroundDepression is a common, recurrent, and debilitating problem and Internet delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) could offer one solution. There are at least 25 controlled trials that demonstrate the efficacy of iCBT. The aim of the current paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of an iCBT Program in primary care that had been demonstrated to be efficacious in two randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodQuality assurance data from 359 patients prescribed the Sadness Program in Australia from October 2010 to November 2011 were included.ResultsIntent-to-treat marginal model analyses demonstrated significant reductions in depressive symptoms (PHQ9), distress (K10), and impairment (WHODAS-II) with medium-large effect sizes (Cohen's d = .51–1.13.), even in severe and/or suicidal patients (Cohen's d = .50–1.49.) Secondary analyses on patients who completed all 6 lessons showed levels of clinically significant change as indexed by established criteria for remission, recovery, and reliable change.ConclusionsThe Sadness Program is effective when prescribed by primary care practitioners and is consistent with a cost-effective stepped-care framework.
Highlights
Depression is a common, recurrent, and debilitating problem [1]
The Sadness Program is effective when prescribed by primary care practitioners and is consistent with a costeffective stepped-care framework
In a randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing clinician-assisted to technician-assisted implementation of the Sadness Program, Cohen’s d effect size superiority over the wait list control group at the end of therapy (PHQ9 scores) was 1.27, and this result was maintained at follow-up
Summary
Depression is a common, recurrent, and debilitating problem [1]. evidence-based treatments exist, most people with depression do not obtain such treatment [2]. One cost-effective and pragmatic means of increasing the quality of treatment available in primary care settings is through the use of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) programs. Whether effectiveness in practice parallels efficacy in RCTs is the core question addressed in the current paper by examining the progress of patients treated with the Sadness program in primary care. The current quality assurance study sought to quantify the proportion of individuals enrolled in the Sadness Program who were either severely depressed and/or expressing suicidal ideation and secondly, to determine whether treatment was effective for this group of patients. The aim of the current paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of an iCBT Program in primary care that had been demonstrated to be efficacious in two randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
