Web-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Research Articles

Web-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression in People With Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundDepression is twice as common in diabetes mellitus (DM) as the general population and is associated with adverse health outcomes, but access to evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is limited in routine diabetes care. Past research has shown that generic Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) is an effective treatment for depression in the general population, but it has never been evaluated in people with comorbid depression and DM.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to examine the efficacy of a generic 6-lesson iCBT delivered over 10 weeks in people with major depressive disorder (MDD) and DM.MethodsParticipants with comorbid MDD and DM (type 1 or 2) were recruited online and randomized to an iCBT program with therapist support provided by phone and email (n=42) or a treatment as usual (TAU, n=49) control group. Outcomes were assessed through Web-based self-report questionnaires and the trial was Web-based with no face-to-face components. Primary outcomes were self-reported depression (patient health questionnaire-9, PHQ-9), diabetes-related distress (problem areas in diabetes, PAID), and self-reported glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c). Secondary outcomes were general distress (Kessler 10-item psychological distress scale, K-10) and disability (short form 12-item, SF-12), generalized anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder 7-item, GAD-7), and somatization (PHQ-15). The iCBT group was assessed at 3 months.ResultsA total of 27 participants (66%; 27/41) completed the iCBT program. Analyses indicated between-group superiority of iCBT over TAU at posttreatment on PHQ-9 (g=0.78), PAID (g=0.80), K-10 (g=1.06), GAD-7 (g=0.72), and SF-12 mental well-being scores (g=0.66), but no significant differences in self-reported HbA1c levels (g=0.14), SF-12 physical well-being, or PHQ-15 scores (g=0.03-0.21). Gains were maintained at 3-month follow-up in the iCBT group, and the 87% (27/31) of iCBT participants who were interviewed no longer met criteria for MDD. Clinically significant change following iCBT on PHQ-9 scores was 51% (21/41) versus 18% (9/49) in TAU.ConclusionsiCBT for depression is an efficacious, accessible treatment option for people with diabetes. Future studies should explore whether tailoring of iCBT programs improves acceptability and adherence, and evaluate the long-term outcomes following iCBT.Trial RegistrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN): 12613001198718; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=365208&isReview=true (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qCR8Fi9V)

Web-based cognitive behavioural therapy blended with face-to-face sessions for chronic fatigue in type 1 diabetes: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Fatigue in type 1 diabetes is prevalent and persistent, but so far, no evidence-based treatments are available. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in reducing fatigue severity in patients with type 1 diabetes. We did a multicentre randomised controlled trial at one university medical centre and four large teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. Eligible patients were aged 18-70 years and had type 1 diabetes for at least 1 year and chronic fatigue for at least 6 months. We randomly assigned patients (1:1) to CBT or waiting list using computer-generated blocked randomisation, stratified by type of enrolment. The CBT intervention (Dia-Fit) was given for 5 months in blended form, consisting of face-to-face and web-based sessions. The primary outcome was fatigue severity assessed 5 months after randomisation, directly after the intervention or waiting list period, with the Checklist Individual Strength fatigue severity subscale. Secondary outcomes were functional impairment (assessed with the total score of the Sickness Impact Profile-8), glycaemic control (HbA1c), and glucose variability. Analyses were done by intention to treat. This trial is registered with the Nederlands Trial Register, number NTR4312. Between Feb 6, 2014, and March 24, 2016, we randomly assigned 120 eligible patients to either CBT (n=60) or waiting list (n=60), all of whom were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. Compared with patients in the waiting list group, those in the CBT group had significantly lower fatigue severity scores (mean difference 13·8, 95% CI 10·0-17·5; p<0·0001) and significantly lower scores for functional impairment (mean difference 513, 95% CI 340-686; p<0·0001) after 5 months. HbA1c and glucose variability did not change after treatment and there was no difference between groups. Five patients in the CBT group and seven in the waiting list group reported adverse events; none were deemed to be related to the study intervention. Although our findings need to be confirmed in larger and longer-term studies, they suggest that CBT can effectively reduce fatigue severity and functional impairment in type 1 diabetes. Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation (Diabetes Fonds).

A Mixed-Methods Study Using a Nonclinical Sample to Measure Feasibility of Ostrich Community: A Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Individuals With Debt and Associated Stress.

BackgroundThere are increasing concerns about the health and well-being of individuals facing financial troubles. For instance, in the United Kingdom, the relationship between debt and mental health difficulties is becoming more evident due to the economic downturn and welfare reform. Access to debt counseling services is limited and individuals may be reluctant to access services due to stigma. In addition, most of these services may not be appropriately resourced to address the psychological impact of debt. This study describes outcomes from an Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) program, Ostrich Community (OC), which was developed to provide support to those struggling with debt and associated psychological distress.ObjectiveThe aim of this feasibility study was to assess the suitability and acceptability of the OC program in a nonclinical sample and examine mental health and well-being outcomes from using the program.MethodsA total of 15 participants (who were not suffering from severe financial difficulty) were assisted in working through the 8-week ICBT program. Participants rated usability and satisfaction with the program, and after completion 7 participants took part in a semistructured interview to provide further feedback. Before the first session and after the final session all participants completed questionnaires to measure well-being and levels of depression, stress, and anxiety and pre- and postscores were compared.ResultsSatisfaction was high and themes emerging from the interviews indicate that the program has the potential to promote effective financial behaviors and improve financial and global psychosocial well-being. When postcompletion scores were compared with those taken before the program, significant improvements were identified on psychometric measures of well-being, stress, and anxiety.ConclusionsThe OC program is the first ICBT program that targets poor mental health associated with financial difficulty. This feasibility study indicates that OC may be an effective intervention for increasing financial resilience, supporting individuals to become financially independent, and promoting positive financial and global well-being. Further work with individuals suffering from debt and associated emotional difficulties will help to examine clinical effectiveness more closely.

“Go! to Sleep”: A Web-Based Therapy for Insomnia

Insomnia is a common complaint of individuals presenting to healthcare providers and is associated with decreased quality of life and higher healthcare utilization. In-person cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for insomnia but is hindered by cost and limited access to treatment. Initial research suggests that Web-based CBT may mitigate these obstacles. This study tests the effectiveness of a Web-based program for insomnia based on principles of CBT and stress management. We conducted a randomized trial with wait-list controls among adults with primary insomnia (n = 88). Two hundred sixty-three adults with comorbid insomnia were also included and analyzed separately. The intervention was a 6-week online program, and effectiveness was measured via the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Baseline ISI score for the intervention group (n = 43) was 17.0; 16.6 for the control group (n = 45). At first follow-up, the intervention group (n = 25) had a mean change from baseline of -7.3 (95% CI: -9.0, -5.6), sustained through second follow-up, while the control group (n = 35) had a change of -1.3 (-2.7, 0.1). The between-group difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Participants in the comorbid insomnia group had a baseline ISI score of 16.7 with improvement similar to the primary insomnia group (-6.9; -7.6, -6.2). We observed clinically meaningful improvements in insomnia severity in adults with primary or comorbid insomnia. Sustained improvement over 4 months underscores the effectiveness of a well-constructed online CBT for insomnia program. Go! to Sleep

Online CBT for Insomnia Offers Long-Term Benefit

Online CBT for Insomnia Offers Long-Term Benefit

Effect of a Web-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia Intervention With 1-Year Follow-up

Although cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been established as the first-line recommendation for the millions of adults with chronic insomnia, there is a paucity of trained clinicians to deliver this much needed treatment. Internet-delivered CBT-I has shown promise as a method to overcome this obstacle; however, the long-term effectiveness has not been proven in a representative sample with chronic insomnia. To evaluate a web-based, automated CBT-I intervention to improve insomnia in the short term (9 weeks) and long term (1 year). A randomized clinical trial comparing the internet CBT-I with internet patient education at baseline, 9 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Altogether, 303 adults with chronic insomnia self-referred to participate, of whom 151 (49.8%) reported at least 1 medical or psychiatric comorbidity. The internet CBT-I (Sleep Healthy Using the Internet [SHUTi]) was a 6-week fully automated, interactive, and tailored web-based program that incorporated the primary tenets of face-to-face CBT-I. The online patient education program provided nontailored and fixed online information about insomnia. The primary sleep outcomes were self-reported online ratings of insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index) and online sleep diary-derived values for sleep-onset latency and wake after sleep onset, collected prospectively for 10 days at each assessment period. The secondary sleep outcomes included sleep efficiency, number of awakenings, sleep quality, and total sleep time. Among 303 participants, the mean (SD) age was 43.28 (11.59) years, and 71.9% (218 of 303) were female. Of these, 151 were randomized to the SHUTi group and 152 to the online patient education group. Results of the 3 primary sleep outcomes showed that the overall group × time interaction was significant for all variables, favoring the SHUTi group (Insomnia Severity Index [F3,1063 = 20.65, P < .001], sleep-onset latency [F3,1042 = 6.01, P < .001], and wake after sleep onset [F3,1042 = 12.68, P < .001]). Within-group effect sizes demonstrated improvements from baseline to postassessment for the SHUTi participants (range, Cohen d = 0.79 [95% CI, 0.55-1.04] to d = 1.90 [95% CI, 1.62-2.18]). Treatment effects were maintained at the 1-year follow-up (SHUTi Insomnia Severity Index d = 2.32 [95% CI, 2.01-2.63], sleep-onset latency d = 1.41 [95% CI, 1.15-1.68], and wake after sleep onset d = 0.95 [95% CI, 0.70-1.21]), with 56.6% (69 of 122) achieving remission status and 69.7% (85 of 122) deemed treatment responders at 1 year based on Insomnia Severity Index data. All secondary sleep outcomes, except total sleep time, also showed significant overall group × time interactions, favoring the SHUTi group. Given its efficacy and availability, internet-delivered CBT-I may have a key role in the dissemination of effective behavioral treatments for insomnia. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01438697.

Web-Based Self-Help for Problematic Alcohol Use: a Large Naturalistic Study

PurposeThis observational study examined user characteristics, intervention use patterns, and variables associated with reductions in alcohol consumption for anonymous Internet help-seekers using a Web-based self-help program.MethodA Web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program with eight modules delivered over 10 weeks was offered to participants with at least hazardous use of alcohol according to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) (n = 4165). At baseline and 10-week follow-up, participants completed the Timeline-followback (TLFB), AUDIT, Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D), World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF), Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RCQ), and Readiness Ruler. Follow-up completers and non-completers were compared at baseline, and follow-up completer outcomes were reported. Predictors of change in drinking behavior were evaluated at follow-up.ResultsRegistered users were 41.88 years old on average (SD = 12.36), and 52 % were women; the mean baseline number of drinks during the past week was 27.27 (SD = 17.92) with 62 % in the AUDIT category of probable dependence and only 7 % having low-risk consumption according to public health guidelines. At follow-up (n = 1043), 53 % showed a clinically significant change to a lower level of alcohol use (χ2 = 254.403, p < 0.001); the mean alcohol consumption fell (t = 22.841, p < 0.001) and the proportion with low-risk consumption rose to 40 %. Being male, scoring higher on baseline readiness, completing the program, and accessing other support predicted low-risk drinking and clinically significant change to a lower level of alcohol use at follow-up.ConclusionA publicly available Web-based program for managing problematic alcohol use attracted users with considerable alcohol- and health-related problems, which were changed to lower severity for follow-up completers.

Treatment dropout in web-based cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with eating disorders.

Treatment dropout is an important concern in eating disorder treatments as it has negative implications for patients' outcome, clinicians' motivation, and research studies. Our main objective was to conduct an exploratory study on treatment dropout in a two-part web-based cognitive behavioral therapy with asynchronous therapeutic support. The analysis included 205 female patients with eating disorders. Reasons for dropout, treatment experiences, and predictors of dropout were analyzed. Overall treatment dropout was 37.6%, with 18.5% early dropout (before or during treatment part 1) and 19.0% late dropout (after part 1 or during part 2). Almost half of the participants identified personal circumstances as reason for dropout. The other participants mostly reported reasons related to the online delivery or treatment protocol. Predictors of early dropout included reporting less vigor and smoking at baseline and a longer average duration per completed treatment module of part 1. Late dropout was predicted by reporting less vigor at baseline and uncertainty about recommendation of the treatment to others after completion of treatment part 1. Generally, the web-based treatment and online therapeutic support were evaluated positively, although dropouts rated the treatment as significantly less helpful and effective than completers did.

Deploying eHealth: A new approach to face depression

PURPOSE: The main objective of this project is to deploy a Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (cCBT) solution, within an integrated care intervention, as well as to identify and analyze the barriers and facilitators of this process, both in the clinical and organizational fields. CONTEXT: Depression is one of the most frequent mental health diseases worldwide, with approximately 350 million of individuals affected. Antidepressants are still the mainstay of treatment for depression in healthcare settings. Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (cCBT) has proven to be effective to fight depression, enabling the patient to change destructive patterns. This type of cCBT can be self-administrated at any time and place; this is why it contributes to improve accessibility to treatment. Also, it enables the delivery of care at the natural environment, minimizing the negative effect of mental health stigma, and contributing to the acceptance of the one's own condition. 1, 2 METHODS: The practice being implemented comprises three main work areas: 1. Development of a cCBT platform, taking into account the needs for patient-professional interaction and fluid communication, integration within information systems and therapeutic content that nurtures the platform. 2. The deployment of a protocol for comprehensive care that includes key professionals (primary care, mental health and emergency). 3. Put into practice an integrated care intervention targeting 300 individuals over the age of 18, diagnosed of mild or moderate depression. The status of the patient will be evaluated at the baseline, in the middle of the treatment and at the end of the treatment. The assessment of the professionals and organizations involved will be carried out at the end of the treatment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results are to be measured according to the MAST model (Model of Assessment of Telemedicine) in terms of health problems, application features, safety, clinical effectiveness, patient perspective and economic, organizational, socio-cultural, ethical and legal aspects. This project is expected to raise awareness about the key issues underpinning online cCBT integration within regular care, generating the knowledge and expertise needed for the extension of this type of care in a safe, efficient and effective way. Some lessons learnt: As to the cCBT platform, the length of the contents has to be limited and the number of activities to be carried out by patients has to be reduced. In addition, patients' perspective has to be taken into account to ensure the online therapy meets their needs, and consequently improves their adherence. In order to engage patients and professionals, a major barrier have been computer problems concerning the platform and the need to strengthen the training both patients and professionals, to solve problems of access and use of the application. REFERENCES Ragnhild Sorensen Hoifodt, Matthias Mittner, Kjersti Lillevoll, Susanne Kvam Katla, Nils Kolstrup, Martin Eisemann, Oddgeir Friborg, and Knut Waterloo. Predictors of Response to Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With High-Intensity Face-to-Face Therapist Guidance for Depression: A Bayesian Analysis. J Med Internet Res. 2015 Sep; 17(9): e197. Hilty DM, Ferrer DC, Parish MB, Johnston B, Callahan EJ, Yellowlees PM . The effectiveness of telemental health: a 2013 review . Telemed J E Health. 2013 Jun;19(6):444-54.

Web-Delivered CBT Reduces Heavy Drinking in OEF-OIF Veterans in Primary Care With Symptomatic Substance Use and PTSD

Veterans from conflicts such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan commonly return with behavioral health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and hazardous or harmful substance use. Unfortunately, many veterans experience significant barriers to receiving evidence-based treatment, including poor treatment motivation, concerns about stigma, and lack of access to appropriate care. To address this need, the current study developed and evaluated a web-based self-management intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), targeting PTSD symptoms and hazardous substance use in a group of symptomatic combat veterans enrolled in VA primary care. Veterans with PTSD/subthreshold PTSD and hazardous substance use were randomized to primary care treatment as usual (TAU; n = 81) or to TAU plus a web-based CBT intervention called Thinking Forward (n = 81). Thinking Forward consisted of 24 sections (approximately 20 minutes each), accessible over 12 weeks. Participants completed baseline and 4-, 8-, 12-, 16-, and 24-week follow-up assessments. Three primary outcomes of PTSD, alcohol and other drug use, and quality of life were examined. Significant treatment effects were found for heavy drinking, but not for PTSD or quality of life. The effect of the intervention on heavy drinking was mediated by intervening increases in coping, social support, self-efficacy, and hope for the future. These results demonstrate the promise of a web-based, self-management intervention for difficult-to-engage OEF/OIF veterans with behavioral health and substance use concerns.

The Effect of Guided Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Patients With Depressive Symptoms and Heart Failure: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundDepressive symptoms, and the associated coexistence of symptoms of anxiety and decreased quality of life (QoL), are common in patients with heart failure (HF). However, treatment strategies for depressive symptoms in patients with HF still remain to be established. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT), as guided self-help CBT programs, has shown good effects in the treatment of depression. Until now, ICBT has not been evaluated in patients with HF with depressive symptoms.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the effect of a 9-week guided ICBT program on depressive symptoms in patients with HF; (2) investigate the effect of the ICBT program on cardiac anxiety and QoL; and (3) assess factors associated with the change in depressive symptoms.MethodsFifty participants were randomized into 2 treatment arms: ICBT or a Web-based moderated discussion forum (DF). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to measure depressive symptoms, the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ) was used to measure cardiac-related anxiety, and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire was used to measure QoL. Data were collected at baseline and at follow-up at the end of the 9-week intervention. Intention-to-treat analysis was used, and missing data were imputed by the Expectation-Maximization method. Between-group differences were determined by analysis of covariance with control for baseline score and regression to the mean.ResultsNo significant difference in depressive symptoms between the ICBT and the DF group at the follow-up was found, [F(1,47)=1.63, P=.21] and Cohen´s d=0.26. Secondary within-group analysis of depressive symptoms showed that such symptoms decreased significantly in the ICBT group from baseline to the follow-up (baseline M=10.8, standard deviation [SD]=5.7 vs follow-up M=8.6, SD=4.6, t(24)=2.6, P=.02, Cohen´s d=0.43), whereas in the DF group, there was no significant change (baseline M=10.6, SD=5.0, vs follow-up M=9.8, SD=4.3, t(24)=0.93, P=.36. Cohen´s d=0.18). With regard to CAQ and QoL no significant differences were found between the groups (CAQ [d(1,47)=0.5, P=.48] and QoL [F(1,47)=2.87, P=.09]). In the ICBT group in the CAQ subscale of fear, a significant within-group decrease was shown (baseline M=1.55 vs follow-up M=1.35, P=.04). In the ICBT group, the number of logins to the Web portal correlated significantly with improvement in depressive symptoms (P=.02), whereas higher age (P=.01) and male sex (P=.048) were associated with less change in depressive symptoms. This study is underpowered because of difficulties in the recruitment of patients.ConclusionsGuided ICBT adapted for persons with HF and depressive symptoms was not statistically superior to participation in a Web-based DF. However, within the ICBT group, a statically significant improvement of depressive symptoms was detected.ClinicalTrialClinicaltrials.gov NCT01681771; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01681771 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ikzbcuLN)

Mobile Phone and Web-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health Comorbidities in People Living With Diabetes: Results of a Feasibility Study.

BackgroundDepression is often comorbid with diabetes; however, undertreatment of depressive symptoms in people affected is common.ObjectiveWe studied preliminary acceptability and effectiveness of a fully automated, mobile phone, and web-based public health intervention, myCompass, for reducing depressive symptoms and improving mental health comorbidities in people with diabetes.MethodsIn this single-group feasibility study, 89 volunteers with type 1 (n=34) or type 2 (n=55) diabetes and at least mild depressive symptoms used myCompass for 7 weeks. Web-based measures of depressive and anxious symptoms, functional impairment, diabetes-specific variables, and user satisfaction were completed at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up.ResultsRetention rates were 54% (n=48) at postintervention and 36% (n=32) at follow-up. Depressive symptoms were significantly improved at postintervention (P<.001; within-group effect size d=1.05), with gains persisting at follow-up. Mental health comorbidities, including anxiety (P<.001), functioning (P<.001), and diabetes-specific distress (P<.001), also showed significant and sustained improvement. Satisfaction with myCompass was high, with convenience and ease of program use, and relevance of program content rated positively by participants.ConclusionsThe myCompass program shows promise as an acceptable and effective treatment for depression and comorbid mental health problems in people with diabetes. The program is broadly available, free to use, and may benefit patients with diabetes who do not access services and/or wish to manage their mental health themselves. Replication of these findings in a controlled study is warranted.

Web-Based Psychotherapy Prevents Depression

Web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown as effective for major depressive disorder (MDD) in some studies, but not in all (NEJM JW Psychiatry Jan 2016 and BMJ 2015; 351:h5627). Researchers in Germany have now examined the efficacy of web-based delivery of an intervention combining behavioral therapy and problem-solving therapy (PST) to prevent depression in 406 subjects with limited depressive symptoms (Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score, ≥16) …

(532) Patients’ experiences with web-based CBT for the treatment of chronic pain: using qualitative research to deepen understanding of intervention effects

(532) Patients’ experiences with web-based CBT for the treatment of chronic pain: using qualitative research to deepen understanding of intervention effects

Physician suicide prevention

Every year there is a medical school full of physicians who commit suicide. Depression is a major risk factor and physicians frequently fail to recognize their own depression and that or their colleagues. Even when they do, many of them avoid treatment. The greater knowledge of lethality of drugs and easy access to means can contribute to the higher suicide rate among physicians.Some studies say that training physicians are at particularly high risk of suicide, with suicidal ideation increasing more than 4-fold during the first three months of internship year. In Portugal, there are no reliable statistics about resident's suicide. We do not even talk a lot about it and the collective silence only compounds the problem – the refusal to speak perpetuates the stigma that mental health problems are signs of weakness or failure. Assess existing resources and best practices should be the next step to establish training programs to suicide prevention in these professionals, addressing response programs. As primary prevention, we should act in order to prevent healthy medical students or physicians from developing a condition that would lead to suicide. A randomized clinical trial in US with 199 residents from multiple specialties found that a free, easily accessible, brief web-based cognitive behavioural therapy program is associated with reduced likelihood of suicidal ideation among medical residents.It is also essential too early diagnose and treat after the illness onset. Moreover, it should exist a rehabilitation of suicidal physicians and their return to maximal function with minimal risk for recurrence.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Therapeutic Alliance With a Fully Automated Mobile Phone and Web-Based Intervention: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundStudies of Internet-delivered psychotherapies suggest that clients report development of a therapeutic alliance in the Internet environment. Because a majority of the interventions studied to date have been therapist-assisted to some degree, it remains unclear whether a therapeutic alliance can develop within the context of an Internet-delivered self-guided intervention with no therapist support, and whether this has consequences for program outcomes.ObjectiveThis study reports findings of a secondary analysis of data from 90 participants with mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety, and/or stress who used a fully automated mobile phone and Web-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) intervention called “myCompass” in a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT).MethodsSymptoms, functioning, and positive well-being were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). Therapeutic alliance was measured at post-intervention using the Agnew Relationship Measure (ARM), and this was supplemented with qualitative data obtained from 16 participant interviews. Extent of participant engagement with the program was also assessed.ResultsMean ratings on the ARM subscales were above the neutral midpoints, and the interviewees provided rich detail of a meaningful and collaborative therapeutic relationship with the myCompass program. Whereas scores on the ARM subscales did not correlate with treatment outcomes, participants’ ratings of the quality of their emotional connection with the program correlated significantly and positively with program logins, frequency of self-monitoring, and number of treatment modules completed (r values between .32-.38, P≤.002). The alliance (ARM) subscales measuring perceived empowerment (r=.26, P=.02) and perceived freedom to self-disclose (r=.25, P=.04) also correlated significantly in a positive direction with self-monitoring frequency.ConclusionsQuantitative and qualitative findings from this analysis showed that a positive therapeutic alliance can develop in the Internet environment in the absence of therapist support, and that components of the alliance may have implications for program usage. Further investigation of alliance features in the Internet environment and the consequences of these for treatment outcomes and user engagement is warranted.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number (ACTRN): 12610000625077; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=335772&isReview=true (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6efAc5xj4).

Web-based CBT for the Treatment of Selective Mutism: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial in Singapore

Introduction: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches have shown promise for some children with Selective Mutism (SM), but to date there are limited published randomized controlled trials (RCT) of CBT interventions for SM. We present findings from a pilot RCT of the Meeky Mouse program, a 14-week web-based CBT program for children with SM. Method: A total of 21 children (6-12 years old) with a primary diagnosis of SM from a child psychiatric outpatient clinic were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to either 14 weeks of the Meeky Mouse program (n=10) or to a control condition in which they interacted with the therapist while playing computer games (n=11). Results: No significant group differences were found on anxiety symptoms. The control group showed significant improvements from pre- to post-treatment on total frequency of speech. Children in the Meeky Mouse group showed greater improvements in clinician-rated severity of mental illness and had higher clinician-rated improvement scores relative to those in the control group. Conclusions: Findings from our pilot RCT study suggest that the web-based CBT using anxiety management strategies may be no different from an intervention that involves regular monitoring of child’s engagement in socializing activities for improving SM symptoms. Further study is needed to determine optimal strategies for treating children with SM with the use of web-based applications.

Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for the Prevention of Suicidal Ideation in Medical Interns: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

In the United States, approximately 1 physician dies by suicide every day. Training physicians are at particularly high risk, with suicidal ideation increasing more than 4-fold during the first 3 months of internship year. Despite this increase, to our knowledge, very few efforts have been made to prevent the escalation of suicidal thoughts among training physicians. To assess the effectiveness of a web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (wCBT) program delivered prior to the start of internship year in the prevention of suicidal ideation in medical interns. A randomized clinical trial conducted at 2 university hospitals with 199 interns from multiple specialties during academic years 2009-2010 or 2011-2012. The current study was conducted from May 2009 to June 2010 and May 2011 to June 2012, and data were analyzed using intent-to-treat principles, including last observation carried forward. Interns were randomly assigned to 2 study groups (wCBT and attention-control group [ACG]), and completed study activities lasting 30 minutes each week for 4 weeks prior to starting internship year. Participants assigned to wCBT completed online CBT modules and those assigned to ACG received emails with general information about depression, suicidal thinking, and local mental health professionals. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess suicidal ideation (ie, "thoughts that you would be better off dead or hurting yourself in some way") prior to the start of intern year and at 3-month intervals throughout the year. A total of 62.2% of interns (199 of 320) agreed to take part in the study; 100 were assigned to the wCBT group and 99 to the ACG. During at least 1 point over the course of internship year, 12% of interns (12 of 100) assigned to wCBT endorsed suicidal ideation compared with 21.2% of interns (21 of 99) assigned to ACG. After adjusting for covariates identified a priori that have previously shown to increase the risk for suicidal ideation, interns assigned to wCBT were less likely to endorse suicidal ideation during internship year (relative risk, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17- 0.91; P = .03) compared with those assigned to ACG. This study demonstrates that a free, easily accessible, brief wCBT program is associated with reduced likelihood of suicidal ideation among medical interns. Prevention programs with these characteristics could be easily disseminated to medical training programs across the country. anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12610000628044.

A randomized controlled trial of web-based cognitive behavioral therapy for severely fatigued breast cancer survivors (CHANGE-study): study protocol.

BackgroundAbout one third of breast cancer survivors suffer from persistent severe fatigue after completion of curative cancer treatment. Face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy (F2F CBT), especially designed for fatigue in cancer survivors, was found effective in reducing fatigue. However, this intervention is intensive and treatment capacity is limited. To extend treatment options, a web-based version of CBT requiring less therapist time was developed. This intervention is aimed at changing fatigue-perpetuating cognitions and behaviors. The efficacy of web-based CBT will be examined in a multicenter randomized controlled trial.MethodsIn total, 132 severely fatigued breast cancer survivors will be recruited and randomized to either an intervention condition or care as usual (ratio 1:1). Participants will be assessed at baseline and 6 months thereafter. The intervention group will receive web-based CBT, consisting of three F2F sessions and maximally eight web-based modules over a period of 6 months. The care as usual group will be on a waiting list for regular F2F CBT. The total duration of the waiting list is 6 months. The primary outcome of the study is fatigue severity. Secondary outcomes are functional impairments, psychological distress and quality of life.DiscussionIf web-based CBT is effective, it will provide an additional treatment option for fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Web-based CBT is expected to be less time-consuming for therapists than regular F2F CBT, which would result in an increased treatment capacity. Moreover, the intervention would become more easily accessible for a larger number of patients, and patients can save travel time and costs.Trial registrationDutch Trial Registry - NTR4309Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1787-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Contingency Management Abstinence Incentives: Cost and Implications for Treatment Tailoring

ObjectiveTo examine prize-earning costs of contingency management (CM) incentives in relation to participants' pre-study enrollment drug use status (baseline (BL) positive vs. BL negative) and relate these to previously reported patterns of intervention effectiveness. MethodsParticipants were 255 substance users entering outpatient treatment who received the therapeutic educational system (TES), in addition to usual care counseling. TES included a CM component such that participants could earn up to $600 in prizes on average over 12-weeks for providing drug negative urines and completing web-based cognitive behavior therapy modules. We examined distribution of prize draws and value of prizes earned for subgroups that were abstinent (BL negative; N=136) or not (BL positive; N=119) at study entry based on urine toxicology and breath alcohol screen. ResultsDistribution of draws earned (median=119 vs. 17; p<.0001) and prizes redeemed (median=54 vs. 9; p<.001) for drug abstinence differed significantly for BL negative compared to BL positive participants. BL negative earned on average twice as much in prizes as BL positive participants ($245 vs. $125). Median value of prizes earned was 5.4 times greater for BL negative compared to BL positive participants ($237 vs. $44; p<.001). ConclusionsTwo-thirds of expenditures in an abstinence incentive program were paid to BL negative participants. These individuals had high rates of drug abstinence during treatment and did not show improved abstinence outcomes with TES versus usual care (Campbell et al., 2014). Effectiveness of the abstinence-focused CM intervention included in TES may be enhanced by tailoring delivery based on patients' drug use status at treatment entry.