The effectiveness of computerized cognitive behavioural therapy in routine care.
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy of a Computerized Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CCBT) package, Beating the Blues, has been demonstrated in a large randomized controlled trial. The current study tests the generalizability of this finding in a naturalistic non-randomized trial.


METHODS
219 patients with anxiety and/or depression were recruited to receive CCBT in routine care. The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) and Work and Social Adjustment scale (WSA) were administered pre-treatment, immediately on completing treatment and at 6 months post-treatment. Single-item self-report measures of anxiety and depression were also collected during each treatment session.


RESULTS
Completer and intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements on the CORE-OM, WSA and in self-reported anxiety and depression. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated an average 0.29-point drop on the CORE-OM, equating to an uncontrolled pre-post effect size of 0.50. Research completers achieved an average 0.61-point drop equating to an uncontrolled pre-post size of 1.00 on the same measure. Where data was available (18%), these benefits were maintained at week 32 (6 months follow-up).


CONCLUSIONS
CCBT can be an effective first line tool within a stepped care framework for the management of common mental health problems.
Cavanagh
K
K
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Newcastle, UK. kate_cavanagh@yahoo.co.uk
Shapiro
D A
DA
Van Den Berg
S
S
Swain
S
S
Barkham
M
M
Proudfoot
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010507:Periodicity; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology