title: Randomized trial of Internet-based relapse prevention for partially remitted depression.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate whether Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can prevent relapse in persons with partially remitted major depression after previous treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-one women and 13 men (N = 84) with partially remitted major depression after treatment were randomly assigned to either 10 weeks of Internet-based CBT or to a control group. Self-help material was used in combination with e-mail contact with a personal therapist. Monthly self-ratings of depressive symptoms were made, and diagnostic interviews were conducted before and after the treatment period, as well as 6 months later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significantly fewer participants in the CBT group experienced relapse (4/38 or 10.5%) compared with those in the control group (14/37 or 37.8%). The difference in relapse rates between groups occurred early in the study period and was still apparent after 6 months. A trend towards a larger reduction in depressive symptoms was observed at post-treatment in the participants who received CBT compared with controls. Reduction in depressive symptoms reduced the risk of relapse. A trend towards a higher remission rate was found in the CBT group at the 6 month follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Internet-based CBT seems promising in preventing relapse in persons with partially remitted major depression after previous treatment.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Medical Sciences, Psychiatric Research Centre, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden. fredrik.hollandare@orebroll.se
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Holländare
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Johnsson
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Randestad
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tillfors
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carlbring
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Engström
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome