Internet Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Research Articles

Therapist-supported Internet cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in adults.

Therapist-supported Internet cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in adults.

Positive imagery cognitive bias modification (CBM) and internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT): A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAccruing evidence suggests that positive imagery-based cognitive bias modification (CBM) could have potential as a standalone targeted intervention for depressive symptoms or as an adjunct to existing treatments. We sought to establish the benefit of this form of CBM when delivered prior to Internet cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for depression MethodsA randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a 1-week Internet-delivered positive CBM vs. an active control condition for participants (N=75, 69% female, mean age=42) meeting diagnostic criteria for major depression; followed by a 10-week iCBT program for both groups. ResultsModified intent-to-treat marginal and mixed effect models demonstrated no significant difference between conditions following the CBM intervention or the iCBT program. In both conditions there were significant reductions (Cohen׳s d .57–1.58, 95% CI=.12–2.07) in primary measures of depression and interpretation bias (PHQ9, BDI-II, AST-D). Large effect size reductions (Cohen׳s d .81–1.32, 95% CI=.31–1.79) were observed for secondary measures of distress, disability, anxiety and repetitive negative thinking (K10, WHODAS, STAI, RTQ). Per protocol analyses conducted in the sample of participants who completed all seven sessions of CBM indicated between-group superiority of the positive over control group on depression symptoms (PHQ9, BDI-II) and psychological distress (K10) following CBM (Hedges g .55–.88, 95% CI=−.03–1.46) and following iCBT (PHQ9, K10). The majority (>70%) no longer met diagnostic criteria for depression at 3-month follow-up. LimitationsThe control condition contained many active components and therefore may have represented a smaller ‘dose’ of the positive condition. ConclusionsResults provide preliminary support for the successful integration of imagery-based CBM into an existing Internet-based treatment for depression.

A feasibility open trial of guided Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression amongst Arab Australians

The present study examined the preliminary efficacy and acceptability of a culturally modified therapist-guided cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) treatment for Arab Australians, aged 18years and over with symptoms of depression and anxiety. To facilitate ease of use, the treatment was delivered via the Internet (Internet CBT; iCBT). Eleven participants with at least mild symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9) total scores>4) or anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) total scores>4) accessed the online Arab Wellbeing Course, which consisted of five online lessons delivered over 8weeks. Measures of depression, anxiety, distress and disability were gathered at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Data were analysed using mixed-linear model analyses. Ninety-one percent (10/11) of participants completed the five lessons over 8weeks, with 10/11 providing post-treatment and 3-month follow-up data. Participants improved significantly across all outcome measures, with large within-group effect sizes based on estimated marginal means (Cohen's d) at post-treatment (d=1.08 to 1.74) and 3-month follow-up (d=1.53 to 2.00). The therapist spent an average of 90.72min (SD=28.98) in contact, in total, with participants during the trial. Participants rated the Arab Wellbeing Course as acceptable. Caution is needed in interpreting the results of the current study given the small sample size employed, raising questions about the impact of levels of acculturation and the absence of a control group. However, the results are encouraging and indicate that, with minor modifications, western psychological interventions have the potential to be of benefit to English speaking Arab immigrants.

The effectiveness of internet cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) for social anxiety disorder across two routine practice pathways

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common, chronic and disabling mental disorder. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment of SAD and internet CBT (iCBT) offers a cost-effective and convenient alternative to face to face approaches, with high fidelity and demonstrated efficacy. The aim of the current paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of an iCBT programme for SAD (The This Way Up Clinic Shyness Programme) when delivered in routine practice through two different pathways. Patients in the prescription pathway (Study 1, N=368, 50% female, mean age=34) were ‘prescribed’ the Shyness Programme by a registered practitioner of the This Way Up Clinic who supervised their progress throughout the programme. Patients in the referral pathway (Study 2, N=192, 50% female, mean age=36) were referred to the This Way Up Clinic and supervised by a specialist CBT clinician at the clinic. Intention-to-treat marginal model analyses demonstrated significant reductions in primary outcomes of social anxiety symptoms (Mini-SPIN) and psychological distress (K10), corresponding to large effect sizes (Cohen's d=.82–1.09, 95% CIs .59–1.31) and secondary outcomes of impairment (WHODAS-II) and depressive symptoms (PHQ9), corresponding to small effect sizes (Cohen's d=.36–.46, 95% CIs .19–.68) for patients in both pathways. Results provide evidence of the effectiveness of iCBT for social anxiety disorder when delivered in routine practice.

Client experiences of guided internet cognitive behavior therapy for postpartum depression: a qualitative study

Postpartum depression (PPD) afflicts up to 15% of women following childbirth and negatively impacts both mother and child. Therapist-assisted internet cognitive behavior therapy (TAICBT) is a promising intervention for the treatment of PPD; however, women's perceptions of TAICBT have not been examined. Responses to 10 open-ended questions from 24 women who received TAICBT for PPD were thematically analyzed. The majority of women expressed that the TAICBT program afforded flexibility, accessibility, and convenience, as well as anonymity and privacy. Some participants described the program as helping them take a step in the right direction and enhance their self-awareness and parenting skills. Participants also described having the internet therapist individualize their treatment. Challenges related to the TAICBT program were also identified by a minority of participants including managing time to log onto the program, the fast pace, completion of homework around childcare duties, and challenges of not having a face-to-face therapist. Participants also made suggestions for future programming. The large majority of participants consistently described their internet therapist favorably; however, challenges related to the internet therapy were also identified. Results should be integrated in the development of future programming.

Reductions in negative repetitive thinking and metacognitive beliefs during transdiagnostic internet cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for mixed anxiety and depression

We explored whether transdiagnostic internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for mixed anxiety and depression effectively reduces repetitive negative thinking (RNT), and whether reductions in RNT and positive metacognitive beliefs mediate symptom improvement during iCBT.Participants with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), or mixed GAD/MDD diagnoses were randomly allocated to a 6-lesson clinician-guided iCBT anxiety and depression program (n = 46) or wait-list control (WLC, n = 53). Depression (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety (GAD-7), RNT (Repetitive Thinking Questionnaire) and positive beliefs about RNT (Positive Beliefs about Rumination Scale) were assessed at pre-, mid-, and post-treatment or matched time points for WLC. Tests of serial indirect effects explored the potential meditating role of RNT and positive belief reductions on the impact of iCBT on depression and anxiety symptoms post-treatment.Results showed that both RNT frequency and positive beliefs about the value of RNT reduced significantly following iCBT compared to WLC, with gains maintained at 3-month follow-up. Reductions between pre- and mid-treatment in positive beliefs and RNT mediated improvements in depression symptoms post-iCBT, and reductions in positive beliefs mediated improvements in GAD symptoms. These findings indicate that iCBT is an effective treatment for RNT and positive metacognitive beliefs. Future dismantling studies are needed to assess the most effective treatment components.

A standalone Internet cognitive behavior therapy treatment for social anxiety in adults who stutter: CBTpsych

PurposeSocial anxiety is common for those who stutter and efficacious cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for them appears viable. However, there are difficulties with provision of CBT services for anxiety among those who stutter. Standalone Internet CBT treatment is a potential solution to those problems. CBTpsych is a fully automated, online social anxiety intervention for those who stutter. This report is a Phase I trial of CBTpsych. MethodFourteen participants were allowed 5 months to complete seven sections of CBTpsych. Pre-treatment and post-treatment assessments tested for social anxiety, common unhelpful thoughts related to stuttering, quality of life and stuttering frequency. ResultsSignificant post-treatment improvements in social anxiety, unhelpful thoughts, and quality of life were reported. Five of seven participants diagnosed with social anxiety lost those diagnoses at post-treatment. The two participants who did not lose social anxiety diagnoses did not complete all the CBTpsych modules. CBTpsych did not improve stuttering frequency. Eleven of the fourteen participants who began treatment completed Section 4 or more of the CBTpsych intervention. ConclusionsCBTpsych provides a potential means to provide CBT treatment for social anxiety associated with stuttering, to any client without cost, regardless of location. Further clinical trials are warranted.Educational objectives: At the end of this activity the reader will be able to: (a) describe that social anxiety is common in those who stutter; (b) discuss the origin of social anxiety and the associated link with bullying; (c) summarize the problems in provision of effective evidence based cognitive behavior therapy for adults who stutter; (d) describe a scalable computerized treatment designed to tackle the service provision gap; (e) describe the unhelpful thoughts associated with stuttering that this fully automated computer program was able to tackle; (f) list the positive outcomes for individuals who stuttered that participated in this trial such as the reduction of social anxiety symptoms and improvement in the quality of life for individuals who stuttered and participated in this trial.

Use of antidepressants among depressed treated with internet-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Purpose: To study use of antidepressants, quality of life and progress of depression among patients in primary care, with mild to moderate depression, during internet-based CBT compared to treatment as usual (TAU). Theory: Around 70% of all patients with mild-moderate depression are treated in primary care. Eight per cent of women and 5% of men in the Swedish population use antidepressants. Methods: In an RCT, patients with mild-moderate depression treated with internet-based CBT were compared to TAU. In both groups, some individuals received antidepressant during 3 months. Baseline and 3 month BDI-II, Euro Qol 5D, and use of antidepressants was followed. Findings: In the internet-CBTgroup, 3 out 24 individuals used antidepressant, and 8 out of 33 in the control group (p= 0.36). After three months antidepressants was reduced to 1 out of 24 in the internet CBT group and increased to 15 out of 33 (p= 0.008) in control group. There were no differences concerning increase in quality of life and decrease of depression. Discussion: Use of antidepressants decreased in the CBT-group and increased in the control group. This indicates that internet CBT gives the patient an instrument to handle the depression and does not need the support of antidepressant.

Positive imagery cognitive bias modification (CBM) and internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) versus control CBM and iCBT for depression: study protocol for a parallel-group randomised controlled trial

IntroductionThe current randomised controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy of an internet-delivered positive imagery cognitive bias modification (CBM) intervention for depression when compared with an active control condition and help...

A Case Study Illustrating Therapist-Assisted Internet Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression

Randomized controlled trials show that therapist-assisted Internet cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) is efficacious in the treatment of depression. Given that this is a novel way of delivering cognitive behavior therapy, however, clinical service providers may have questions about how to provide therapist-assisted ICBT in clinical practice, particularly with respect to therapist assistance. To exemplify this approach, we present a case study of an older adult male who received 12 modules of therapist-assisted ICBT for depression over the course of 5months. Highlights of the therapeutic exchanges that occurred over email are provided to illustrate the type of information clients may share with therapists and the nature of therapist assistance. Treatment progress was assessed via self-report questionnaires measuring depression, anxiety, and adjustment. Consistent with the research evidence, significant improvement was observed on all symptom measures at posttreatment. Satisfaction with the therapist-assisted ICBT program and a strong therapeutic alliance was also reported. The case will expand clinician understanding of therapist-assisted ICBT and may serve to stimulate clinician interest in the provision of therapist-assisted ICBT. Future research directions stemming from this case are presented.

Efficacy of Internet and Group-Administered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Adolescents: A Pilot Study

Research indicates that adolescents are at risk for insomnia, but are reluctant to seek help. Treatment of insomnia has been extensively examined in adults, but studies with adolescents are sparse. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess feasibility and efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT–i) for adolescents in both group and Internet settings. Twenty-six adolescents received 6 weekly sessions of CBT–i in a group (N = 13) or individual Internet setting (N = 13). Their sleep was measured with actigraphy, sleep logs, and questionnaires at baseline, posttreatment, and a 2-month follow up. For both treatments, results show a significant improvement, with medium to large effect sizes (ESs) of sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency. There was also a small ES increase of total sleep time in sleep log measures, but not in actigraphy measures. On questionnaires measuring symptoms of insomnia and chronic sleep reduction, significant improvements occurred either at posttreatment or at follow up. No differences were found between the groups. This study indicates CBT–i, either in group or in Internet formats, is an effective treatment for insomnia in adolescents. Further studies in a randomized controlled design are warranted.

The effect of a web-based depression intervention on suicide ideation: secondary outcome from a randomised controlled trial in a helpline

ObjectivesThe effect of web-based interventions for depression on suicide ideation in callers to helplines is not known. The aim of this study was to determine if web-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy...

Chronic Disabling Fatigue in Adolescents

Chronic Disabling Fatigue in Adolescents

The Effectiveness of Internet Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) for Depression in Primary Care: A Quality Assurance Study

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.

Internet cognitive behavioural therapy for mixed anxiety and depression: a randomized controlled trial and evidence of effectiveness in primary care

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have the highest co-morbidity rates within the internalizing disorders cluster, yet no Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) programme exists for their combined treatment. We designed a six-lesson therapist-assisted iCBT programme for mixed anxiety and depression. Study 1 was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the iCBT programme (n=46) versus wait-list control (WLC; n=53) for patients diagnosed by structured clinical interview with MDD, GAD or co-morbid GAD/MDD. Primary outcome measures were the Patient Health Questionnaire nine-item scale (depression), Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven-item scale (generalized anxiety), Kessler 10-item Psychological Distress scale (distress) and 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (disability). The iCBT group was followed up at 3 months post-treatment. In study 2, we investigated the adherence to, and efficacy of the same programme in a primary care setting, where patients (n=136) completed the programme under the supervision of primary care clinicians. The RCT showed that the iCBT programme was more effective than WLC, with large within- and between-groups effect sizes found (>0.8). Adherence was also high (89%), and gains were maintained at 3-month follow-up. In study 2 in primary care, adherence to the iCBT programme was low (41%), yet effect sizes were large (>0.8). Of the non-completers, 30% experienced benefit. Together, the results show that iCBT is effective and adherence is high in research settings, but there is a problem of adherence when translated into the 'real world'. Future efforts need to be placed on developing improved adherence to iCBT in primary care settings.

Feasibility study of a self-guided cognitive behaviour therapy Internet intervention for cancer carers

Despite the evidence base for Internet-delivered self-help programmes, their application to cancer carers has not been reported. This feasibility study evaluated a 6-week internet cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) programme for early stage cancer carers. The study participants comprised 13 carers who were recruited over a 17-month period. Measures included distress, quality of life and programme engagement. Changes over time were measured using effect sizes (Cohen's d), whereas acceptibility was assessed using qualitative feedback. Low enrolment and high attrition rates resulted in a failure to demonstrate feasibility. Large improvements in negative affect (d=0.88) and emotional functioning (d=0.62) were found. For treatment completers, the intervention holds promise in reducing distress. However, in light of the serious challenges with recruitment and retention, further research is needed to resolve participation barriers.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNET COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY FOR GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of internet cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The current study aims to determine whether these efficacy findings, established under controlled research conditions, translate into effectiveness in practice. The sample comprised 588 patients who completed at least one iCBT lesson for GAD through CRUfAD clinic (www.crufadclinic.org). This six-lesson course became available to primary care physicians to prescribe in 2009. Routine data collection included demographics, GAD symptomatology (GAD-7), psychological distress (K-10), and disability (WHODAS). All six lessons were completed by 324/588 (55.1%) patients. When compared with completers, noncompleters tended to be younger and based in rural locations. Prior to discontinuing the course, noncompleters demonstrated statistically significant reductions in psychological distress. For those who completed the course, effect sizes on all outcome measures were medium to large and over 60% of moderate-to-severe GAD cases met criteria for remission upon treatment completion. The current study indicates that computerized CBT for GAD is effective in generating positive, clinically significant outcomes among typical patients treated under the usual conditions in primary care. Future research should focus on reducing treatment discontinuation among younger people and those based in rural locations.

Adherence as a determinant of effectiveness of internet cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depressive disorders

Since 2009, the Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD) has been providing primary care clinicians with internet cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) courses to prescribe to patients. Although these courses have demonstrated efficacy in research trials, adherence in primary care is less than half that of the research trials. The present studies pose three questions: first, do course non-completers drop out because of lack of efficacy? Second, can changes in delivery (e.g. adding choice, reminders and financial cost) improve adherence? Last, does clinician contact improve adherence? The results showed that non-completers derive benefit before dropping out; that adding reminders, choice of course and timing, and financial cost can significantly improve adherence; and that clinician contact during the course is associated with increased adherence. It is concluded that improved adherence is an important determinant of effectiveness.

Investigating trajectories of change in psychological distress amongst patients with depression and generalised anxiety disorder treated with internet cognitive behavioural therapy

Internet based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is efficacious for the treatment of anxiety and depression. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of internet based CBT prescribed by primary care clinicians for the treatment of depression and generalised anxiety disorder. Psychological distress data from 302 patients who completed an online CBT course for depression and 361 patients who completed an online CBT course for generalised anxiety disorder were subjected to growth mixture analysis. For both disorders psychological distress decreased across each lesson in a quadratic trend. Two classes of individuals were identified with different trajectories of change: a large group of individuals who responded well to the courses and a smaller group of individuals with a lower response. Both groups were similar with respect to socio-demographic characteristics however the Low Responders tended to have higher levels of symptom severity and psychological distress at baseline in comparison to the responders. For the majority of patients (75–80%) the internet CBT courses for depression and generalised anxiety disorder were effective. Further research is required to identify and effectively treat the smaller proportion of patients who did not improve during internet CBT.

Dissemination of Therapist-Assisted Internet Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Development and Open Pilot Study of a Workshop

There is considerable research suggesting that therapist-assisted Internet cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) is efficacious in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Given this research, there is a growing interest in training students in therapist-assisted ICBT in order to assist with the dissemination of this emerging modality into routine clinical practice. In this study, we developed, delivered, and evaluated a therapist-assisted ICBT workshop for clinical psychology graduate students (n = 20). The workshop provided both research evidence and practical information related to the delivery of therapist-assisted ICBT. The workshop also incorporated an experiential component with students working on and discussing responses to client e-mails. Before and after the workshop, we measured knowledge of therapist-assisted ICBT research and professional practice issues, as well as attitudes towards and confidence in delivering therapist-assisted ICBT. Statistically significant changes were observed in all areas. Eighty-five per cent of students are now offering therapist-assisted ICBT under supervision. We conclude by discussing future research directions related to disseminating therapist-assisted ICBT.