title: Computerized cognitive behaviour therapy for depression in people with a chronic physical illness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Computerized cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) is becoming an increasingly well-recognized therapeutic option for the treatment of depression. With acknowledged high prevalence of depression within chronic physical ill-health populations and a need to increase access to psychological therapies, cCBT represents a low-intensity intervention with the potential to have great utility within health care settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article systematically reviews the evidence for the effectiveness of cCBT for the treatment of depression with people who have a chronic physical health problem. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant randomized, controlled trials. Identified studies were quality-assessed, and data were extracted by two reviewers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One study investigating cCBT for the treatment of depression in people with diabetes fulfilled inclusion criteria. The trial reported positive outcomes compared to a waiting-list control condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The available literature suggests cCBT programmes may be beneficial for populations with a chronic physical illness experiencing depression. This conclusion is based on the findings of a single study, which involved the evaluation of a cCBT package by its developers, included a short follow-up and featured specialist health care support. Additionally, the study reported considerable attrition suggesting the intervention might not have been acceptable to many participants. It is likely that cCBT may be a way in which to increase access to psychological therapies. However, prior to any definitive conclusions being made, further high-quality research to establish the acceptability, feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness of cCBT for specific chronic physical health conditions is required.
authors.affiliation: NHS National Waiting Times Centre, Scottish Advanced Heart Failure Service, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sharp
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Holly
authors.forename: Niall
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Broomfield
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome