title: CBT for depression: a pilot RCT comparing mobile phone vs. computer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper reports the results of a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing the delivery modality (mobile phone/tablet or fixed computer) of a cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for the treatment of depression. The aim was to establish whether a previously validated computerized program (The Sadness Program) remained efficacious when delivered via a mobile application.
  
  
  METHODS
  35 participants were recruited with Major Depression (80% female) and randomly allocated to access the program using a mobile app (on either a mobile phone or iPad) or a computer. Participants completed 6 lessons, weekly homework assignments, and received weekly email contact from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist until completion of lesson 2. After lesson 2 email contact was only provided in response to participant request, or in response to a deterioration in psychological distress scores. The primary outcome measure was the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Of the 35 participants recruited, 68.6% completed 6 lessons and 65.7% completed the 3-months follow up. Attrition was handled using mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both the Mobile and Computer Groups were associated with statistically significantly benefits in the PHQ-9 at post-test. At 3 months follow up, the reduction seen for both groups remained significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results provide evidence to indicate that delivering a CBT program using a mobile application, can result in clinically significant improvements in outcomes for patients with depression.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN 12611001257954.
authors: Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, 394-404 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Watts
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Mackenzie
authors: Cherian
authors: C
authors: Thomas
authors: Al
authors: A
authors: Griskaitis
authors: Louise
authors: L
authors: Mewton
authors: Alishia
authors: A
authors: Williams
authors: Gavin
authors: G
authors: Andrews
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D040421:Cell Phone; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003201:Computers; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
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