Internet therapy for depression in Primary Care

Marie Kivilicensed Psychologist / PhD-studentDepartment of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Additional authors: Eriksson. M. C., & Johansson. B. Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Hange. D., Petersson. E-L., & Björkelund. C.Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Theory

• Previous research supports the use of Internet therapy for depression

• Previous research = efficacy(i.e. effect under study conditions)

Purpose

• Investigate the effectiveness of Internet therapy for depression in a Primary Care setting

• Hypothesis: Internet therapy (IT) for depression in Primary Care is as effective as Treatment as usual (TAU)

Method

• Identify patients with mild-to-moderate depression at participating PC Centers in the Västra Götaland region

• Psychologists perform structured interviews (MINI+additions)

• Randomize included patients to either IT or TAU

• Measure BDI-II score at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months

Criteria

• Inclusion• Mild-to-moderate depression• 18 years or older

• Exclusion• Antidepressant medication begun or changed during 4

last weeks (stable medication allowed)• Risk of suicide or previous suicide attempt• Cognitive disability• Difficulties to communicate in the Swedish language• Drug abuse• Bipolar disease• Schizophrenia / psychosis• Other severe mental disorder

IT treatment

Treatment software ”Depressionshjälpen”•Internet access 8-12 weeks•Workbook

Support: psychologist with CBT-knowledge • Oversees the patient’s progress in the program and the

development of the patients mood• Secure e-mail contact every week in short messages• Telephone calls at the start, middle and end of the treatment,

ca 2-25 minutes/call• Additional contact if necessary

Depressionshjälpen

In cooperation with Psykologpartners W&W AB

Data

• Patients will be included until end of 2012 • Aim: 100 patients included• As of today: 74 patients included

• Today, data available for• 3 months: n = 33 • 6 months: n = 29• 12 months: n = 21

• Final data from 12 month follow up available in 2014

Preliminary findings

0 3 6 12

BDI-II score

months

Treatment

So far: no significant difference between Internet therapy for depression and Treatment as usual concerning BDI-II

Discussion

Based on our preliminary data:Internet therapy for mild-to-moderate depression in Primary Care •Seems to be as effective as Treatment as Usual•Can be a way to deliver high quality psychological treatment to PC patients