Randomized controlled trial of computerized cognitive behavioural therapy for depressive symptoms: effectiveness and costs of a workplace intervention

Abstract

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are major causes of absence from work and underperformance in the workplace. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective in treating such problems and online versions offer many practical advantages. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a computerized CBT intervention (MoodGYM) in a workplace context.MethodThe study was a phase III two-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial whose main outcome was total score on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). Depression, anxiety, psychological functioning, costs and acceptability of the online process were also measured. Most data were collected online for 637 participants at baseline, 359 at 6 weeks marking the end of the intervention and 251 participants at 12 weeks post-baseline.ResultsIn both experimental and control groups depression scores improved over 6 weeks but attrition was high. There was no evidence for a difference in the average treatment effect of MoodGYM on the WSAS, nor for a difference in any of the secondary outcomes.ConclusionsThis study found no evidence that MoodGYM was superior to informational websites in terms of psychological outcomes or service use, although improvement to subthreshold levels of depression was seen in nearly half the patients in both groups.

Long-Term Results of a Web-Based Guided Self-Help Intervention for Employees With Depressive Symptoms: Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Participants also improved on the secondary outcomes, which sustained over time. The large improvements on depressive symptoms in the CAU group were also found in 2 studies with comparable target groups of non-sick-listed employees [28,66]. Therefore, it could be possible that spontaneous recovery of depressive symptoms is more likely in this specific target group.…”

Efficacy of Self-guided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms

“…Four of the included trials provided support related to the technical aspects of the online platforms, 15,31,33,36 whereas 9 trials were purely self-guided. [12][13][14]30,32,34,35,37,38 The control conditions used were attention placebo, no treatment, treatment as usual, or waiting list. The included studies were conducted in 6 countries: Australia, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom (eTable 1 in the Supplement presents a summary of study characteristics).…”

“…However, recent large trials found a range of effects, varying from small to moderate effect sizes 12,13 to no effect. 14,15 These contradicting findings drew much attention and raised concerns about the benefits of these interventions.…”

Clinical Factor 2014

“…Phillips et al [19] tested the effectiveness of a computerized CBT intervention (MoodGYM course developed by the Australian National University). Their study was a 2-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial with a 5-week intervention period and follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks.…”

“…This seems obvious especially for the study of Phillips et al [19]. (This review was supported in part by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and by VINS 1 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center.…”