Abstract
BACKGROUND: This paper reports the results of a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing the delivery modality (mobile phone/tablet or fixed computer) of a cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for the treatment of depression. The aim was to establish whether a previously validated computerized program (The Sadness Program) remained efficacious when delivered via a mobile application.
METHOD: 35 participants were recruited with Major Depression (80% female) and randomly allocated to access the program using a mobile app (on either a mobile phone or iPad) or a computer. Participants completed 6 lessons, weekly homework assignments, and received weekly email contact from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist until completion of lesson 2. After lesson 2 email contact was only provided in response to participant request, or in response to a deterioration in psychological distress scores. The primary outcome measure was the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Of the 35 participants recruited, 68.6% completed 6 lessons and 65.7% completed the 3-months follow up. Attrition was handled using mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVA.
RESULTS: Both the Mobile and Computer Groups were associated with statistically significantly benefits in the PHQ-9 at post-test. At 3 months follow up, the reduction seen for both groups remained significant.
CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence to indicate that delivering a CBT program using a mobile application, can result in clinically significant improvements in outcomes for patients with depression.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN 12611001257954.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 49 |
Journal | BMC Psychiatry |
Volume | 13 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Feb 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Cell Phones
- Cognitive Therapy
- Computers
- Depressive Disorder, Major
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Patient Compliance
- Pilot Projects
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Telemedicine
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult