Telemedicine for depression: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
More than 14% of the population has a mood disorder, and more than 50% do not receive treatment. Information and communication technology (ICT) could improve health care. A systematic review was considered in order to know the programs that apply ICT in the management of depression and to assess their effectiveness.


CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of ICT use in the management of depression. However, there is a well-founded hypothesis that videoconference produces the same results as face-to-face treatment and that self-help Internet programs could improve symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
More research is needed; nevertheless, when traditional care is not possible, telemedicine could be used.
García-Lizana
Francisca
F
Health Technology Assessment Agency, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Science and Innovation Ministry, Madrid, Spain. francisca-rosario.garcia-lizana@ec.europa.eu
Muñoz-Mayorga
Ingrid
I
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D049269:Videoconferencing