Abstract
Objective: A critical discussion is presented of computer-administered treatments in psychiatry, focusing on the results of outcome studies, the range of approaches under investigation, and advantages and disadvantages of this treatment approach.
Method: A selective review of controlled outcome studies, comparing computer and human therapist administered treatments in clinical populations was made.
Results: The small number of studies reported suggest that computer administered forms are no less effective than human therapists for circumscribed, structured cognitive and behavioural interventions, and are acceptable to patients.
Conclusions: Putative computer-administered treatments will become commonplace. They will require thorough evaluation of benefits, risks and costs to determine their proper role in relation to the alternative treatments available.