Internet-based self-help for depression: randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Major depression can be treated by means of cognitive-behavioural therapy, but as skilled therapists are in short supply there is a need for self-help approaches. Many individuals with depression use the internet for discussion of symptoms and to share their experience.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of an internet-administered self-help programme including participation in a monitored, web-based discussion group, compared with participation in web-based discussion group only.


METHODS
A randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy with minimal therapist contact (plus participation in a discussion group) with the effects of participation in a discussion group only.


RESULTS
Internet-based therapy with minimal therapist contact, combined with activity in a discussion group, resulted in greater reductions of depressive symptoms compared with activity in a discussion group only (waiting-list control group). At 6 months' follow-up, improvement was maintained to a large extent.


CONCLUSIONS
Internet-delivered cognitive cognitive-behavioural therapy should be pursued further as a complement or treatment alternative for mild-to-moderate depression.
Andersson
Gerhard
G
Department of Behavioural Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden. Gerhard.Andersson@ibv.liu.se
Bergström
Jan
J
Holländare
Fredrik
F
Carlbring
Per
P
Kaldo
Viktor
V
Ekselius
Lisa
L
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome