Evaluating the effectiveness and efficacy of unguided internet‐based self‐help intervention for the prevention of depression: a randomized controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1002/cpp.770
• Publication Date: 2011-09-02T08:59:13Z
• Authors: Ove K. Lintvedt; Kathleen M. Griff...; Kristian Sørensen; Andreas R. Østvik; Catharina E. A. Wang; Martin Eisemann; Knut Waterloo
• Keywords: Depression

The Internet has the potential to increase capacity and accessibility of mental health services. This study aimed investigate whether an unguided Internet‐based self‐help intervention delivered without human support or guidance can reduce symptoms depression in young people at risk depression. also explore usage such sites a real‐life setting, estimate effects for those who received meaningful dose evaluate user satisfaction. Young adults were recruited by means screening survey sent all students University Tromsø. Of responding survey, 163 (mean age 28.2 years) with elevated psychological distress trial randomized condition waiting list control group. comprised information website Web application delivering automated cognitive behavioural therapy. participants free access formal informal help as usual. Two‐thirds users completed initially reported unmet need help. findings demonstrated that was effective reducing negative thoughts increasing literacy adults. Significant improvements found 2‐month follow up. interventions be tracking thus constitute minimal cost reaching large number people. User satisfaction among high. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message useful early experiencing depressive symptoms. present target group Approximately 27% referred site on average 55% intervention.