Internet‐based cognitive behavioural therapy programme with and without videoconference guidance sessions: A randomized controlled trial to treat work‐related symptoms of anxiety and depression

Abstract

This study provides the results from the implementation of a highly structured therapist‐guided iCBT programme for people with work‐related anxiety and depression, in terms of programme efficacy, participants' adherence and satisfaction. Seventy‐seven national police workers were randomly allocated to one of two groups: without additional videoconference sessions (web platform with guidance of therapist) and with additional videoconference sessions (same intervention as the previous group, plus two videoconference guidance sessions with a psychologist). The intervention was composed of 12 sessions and took place for 17–20 weeks. We found an adherence rate of 36.4%, with no differences between groups. All participants endorsed lower depression (BDI‐II F(1) = 36.98, p < .001; ATQ F(1) = 24.22, p < .001), and anxiety (STAI‐State F(1) = 76.62, p < .001) after the programme. As a variable related to anxiety and depression in workplace, participants also showed higher assertiveness levels (RAS F(1) = 8.96, p < .001). A significant reduction of the mean level of anxiety perceived by participants as the intervention programme progressed was observed in both groups (F(2) = 7.44; p = .003). Participants were satisfied with the therapists' intervention and with the programme. No significant group effects were found for any of the measures. Reduction in depression levels was maintained in the 12‐month follow‐up, but levels of anxiety increased. This study is innovative, as it is the first controlled trial to analyse the effect of two added videoconference sessions, and it includes short‐ and long‐term measures, which is not usual. The results are discussed to clarify the role of the contact with the therapist to improve treatment adherence.

Preliminary examination of acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for treatment of depression and anxiety in infertile women

“…It was found that the ICBT achieved comparable scores on the improvement of cognitive therapy awareness compared with the CBT treatment. In line with our results, Calero et al (2021) reported that patients who had undergone ICBT with and without guidance sessions showed a statistically significant improvement in automatic thoughts measure [ 68 ]. Similar to our results, previous studies have reported no significant differences between ICBT and CBT in the improvement of automatic thoughts of subjects [ 33 , 67 ].…”