Internet treatment for depression: a randomized controlled trial comparing clinician vs. technician assistance.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for depression is effective when guided by a clinician, less so if unguided.

Question

Would guidance from a technician be as effective as guidance from a clinician?

Method

Randomized controlled non-inferiority trial comparing three groups: Clinician-assisted vs. technician-assisted vs. delayed treatment. Community-based volunteers applied to the VirtualClinic (www.virtualclinic.org.au) research program, and 141 participants with major depressive disorder were randomized. Participants in the clinician- and technician-assisted groups received access to an iCBT program for depression comprising 6 online lessons, weekly homework assignments, and weekly supportive contact over a treatment period of 8 weeks. Par

SUBMITTER: Titov N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2882336 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature