title: Two-year outcome of internet-based relapse prevention for partially remitted depression.
abstract: The objective of the study was to investigate the long-term effects of internet-based relapse prevention for sufferers of partially remitted depression. Eighty-four individuals with partially remitted unipolar depression were randomized to either internet-based CBT (iCBT) or to a control group. After the ten week intervention period the participants were followed for 24 months and diagnostic interviews conducted to detect relapse. The intervention and monthly self-ratings of depressive symptoms were administered via an internet-based platform that ensured secure communication with all participants. Significantly fewer participants in the iCBT group had experienced a relapse compared with those in the control group two years after the internet-based intervention. The relapse rate in the iCBT group was 13.7% (CI 95%=2.5-24.9) and in the control group it was 60.9% (CI 95%=44.8-77). Furthermore, a significantly larger proportion of the iCBT group experienced remission two years after the intervention compared with the control group. Internet-based CBT seems promising for preventing relapse in sufferers of partially remitted depression.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Medical Sciences, Psychiatric Research Centre, Örebro University, Box 1613, 701 16 Örebro, Sweden. Electronic address: fredrik.hollandare@orebroll.se.
authors.forename: Fredrik
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Holländare
authors.forename: Susanne A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Anthony
authors.forename: Mia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Randestad
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tillfors
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carlbring
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.forename: Ingemar
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Engström
mesh_terms: D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Guided self-help; Internet; Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy; Major depression; Relapse prevention