Citation

Watts S, Newby JM, Mewton L, Andrews G. BMJ Open 2012; 2(5): online.

Affiliation

Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst,  New South Wales, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001558

PMID

22983787

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine reductions in suicidal ideation among a sample of patients who were prescribed an internet cognitive behavior therapy (iCBT) course for depression. DESIGN: Effectiveness study within a quality assurance framework. SETTING: Primary care. PARTICIPANTS: 299 patients who were prescribed an iCBT course for depression by primary care clinicians. INTERVENTION: Six lesson, fully automated cognitive behaviour therapy course delivered over the internet. Primary outcome: suicidal ideation as measured by question 9 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). RESULTS: Suicidal ideation was common (54%) among primary care patients prescribed iCBT treatment for depression but dropped to 30% post-treatment despite minimal clinician contact and the absence of an intervention focused on suicidal ideation. This reduction in suicidal ideation was evident regardless of sex and age. CONCLUSIONS: The findings do not support the exclusion of patients with significant suicidal ideation.

Language: en