Online cognitive behavioural therapy is no more effective than usual GP care for people with depression

Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in addition to usual GP care was no more effective than usual GP care alone at four months or at 24 months. It was also not a popular treatment for patients with mild to moderate depression who typically only used the programme once or twice. Indeed, more than four out of five patients did not complete the course. Depression affects large numbers of people in the UK. Other research shows that CBT is effective in treating depression, but it is expensive to provide and people sometimes have to wait for treatment due to limited numbers of therapists. CBT delivered online or via a computer was thought to offer a potential low-cost alternative. This new NIHR evidence suggests support for patients using these programmes will be needed to improve adherence to treatment. This finding came from a large UK-based trial of 691 patients in 100 practices. Two online programmes, one free to use and one commercially available, were tested.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news