Therapist-delivered Internet psychotherapy for depression in primary care: a randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Despite strong evidence for its effectiveness, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) remains difficult to access. Computerised programs have been developed to improve accessibility, but whether these interventions are responsive to individual needs is unknown. We investigated the effectiveness of CBT delivered online in real time by a therapist for patients with depression in primary care.


METHODS
In this multicentre, randomised controlled trial, 297 individuals with a score of 14 or more on the Beck depression inventory (BDI) and a confirmed diagnosis of depression were recruited from 55 general practices in Bristol, London, and Warwickshire, UK. Participants were randomly assigned, by a computer-generated code, to online CBT in addition to usual care (intervention; n=149) or to usual care from their general practitioner while on an 8-month waiting list for online CBT (control; n=148). Participants, researchers involved in recruitment, and therapists were masked in advance to allocation. The primary outcome was recovery from depression (BDI score <10) at 4 months. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered, number ISRCTN 45444578.


RESULTS
113 participants in the intervention group and 97 in the control group completed 4-month follow-up. 43 (38%) patients recovered from depression (BDI score <10) in the intervention group versus 23 (24%) in the control group at 4 months (odds ratio 2.39, 95% CI 1.23-4.67; p=0.011), and 46 (42%) versus 26 (26%) at 8 months (2.07, 1.11-3.87; p=0.023).


CONCLUSIONS
CBT seems to be effective when delivered online in real time by a therapist, with benefits maintained over 8 months. This method of delivery could broaden access to CBT.


BACKGROUND
BUPA Foundation.
Kessler
David
D
Academic Unit of Primary Health Care, NIHR National School for Primary Care Research, Department of Community Based Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. david.kessler@bristol.ac.uk
Lewis
Glyn
G
Kaur
Surinder
S
Wiles
Nicola
N
King
Michael
M
Weich
Scott
S
Sharp
Debbie J
DJ
Araya
Ricardo
R
Hollinghurst
Sandra
S
Peters
Tim J
TJ
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D015987:Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents