The Use of Computerized Self-Help Packages to Treat Adolescent Depression and Anxiety

Abstract

Despite the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating adolescent anxiety, few sufferers seek treatment. Barriers to accessing psychologists include a shortage of skilled therapists, long waiting lists, and affordability. The Internet is a medium possibly able to address issues of accessibility and affordability. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of online therapy in the treatment and prevention of adolescent anxiety and depression. Participants (N = 38) were randomly allocated to one of four conditions: online CBT, face-to-face CBT, combined face-to-face/online CBT, and control. Combined face-to-face/online CBT is more effective in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to stand-alone online or face-to-face therapy. The present study suggests that for those who are unable to access face-to-face therapy, computerized therapy may be a viable option. This is an important finding, especially in light of current capacity to treat and accessibility problems faced in the treatment of adolescent depression and anxiety.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• anxiety
• depression
• online therapy

Notes

Note: T₁ = preintervention score, T₂ = postintervention score; Dep = depression; Anx = anxiety; K10 = distress; ATQ = frequency of automatic negative thoughts. The higher the score, the more severe the symptom.

Note: IV = independent variable, DV = dependent variable, MS = mean square, df = degrees of freedom, ATQ = frequency of automatic negative thoughts. *Significant at the 0.05 level.

Note: >indicates greater than; for example, F2F >Mood GYM denotes that the face-to-face condition was significantly more effective than MoodGYM in reducing symptoms of depression. =, for example, indicates that that there was no significant difference between the MoodGYM condition and the Control condition, in decreasing symptoms of anxiety.