Computer aids to treatment in psychiatry.
OBJECTIVE
A critical discussion is presented of computer-administered treatments in psychiatry, focusing on the results of outcome studies, the range of approaches under investigation, and advantages and disadvantages of this treatment approach.


METHODS
A selective review of controlled outcome studies, comparing computer and human therapist administered treatments in clinical populations was made.


RESULTS
The small number of studies reported suggest that computer administered forms are no less effective than human therapists for circumscribed, structured cognitive and behavioural interventions, and are acceptable to patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Putative computer-administered treatments will become commonplace. They will require thorough evaluation of benefits, risks and costs to determine their proper role in relations to the alternative treatments available.
Kirkby
K C
KC
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Hobart Hospital.
Lambert
T J
TJ
D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted