Citation

Holländare F, Johnsson S, Randestad M, Tillfors M, Carlbring P, Andersson G, Engström I. Acta Psychiatr. Scand. 2011; 124(4): 285-294.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1600-0447.2011.01698.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether Internet‐based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can prevent relapse in persons with partially remitted major depression after previous treatment.

Method: Seventy‐one women and 13 men (N = 84) with partially remitted major depression after treatment were randomly assigned to either 10 weeks of Internet‐based CBT or to a control group. Self‐help material was used in combination with e‐mail contact with a personal therapist. Monthly self‐ratings of depressive symptoms were made, and diagnostic interviews were conducted before and after the treatment period, as well as 6 months later.

Results: Significantly fewer participants in the CBT group experienced relapse (4/38 or 10.5%) compared with those in the control group (14/37 or 37.8%). The difference in relapse rates between groups occurred early in the study period and was still apparent after 6 months. A trend towards a larger reduction in depressive symptoms was observed at post‐treatment in the participants who received CBT compared with controls. Reduction in depressive symptoms reduced the risk of relapse. A trend towards a higher remission rate was found in the CBT group at the 6 month follow‐up.

Conclusion: Internet‐based CBT seems promising in preventing relapse in persons with partially remitted major depression after previous treatment.