CBT for depression: a pilot RCT comparing mobile phone vs. computer

• Main Authors: Watts Sarah, Mackenzie Anna, Thomas Cherian, Griskaitis Al, Mewton Louise, Williams Alishia, Andrews Gavin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2013-02-01
• Series: BMC Psychiatry
• Subjects: Cognitive behavioural therapy; Major depressive disorder; Mobile app; Internet treatment; Treatment
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/13/49

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This paper reports the results of a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing the delivery modality (mobile phone/tablet or fixed computer) of a cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for the treatment of depression. The aim was to establish whether a previously validated computerized program (The Sadness Program) remained efficacious when delivered via a mobile application.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>35 participants were recruited with Major Depression (80% female) and randomly allocated to access the program using a mobile app (on either a mobile phone or iPad) or a computer. Participants completed 6 lessons, weekly homework assignments, and received weekly email contact from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist until completion of lesson 2. After lesson 2 email contact was only provided in response to participant request, or in response to a deterioration in psychological distress scores. The primary outcome measure was the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Of the 35 participants recruited, 68.6% completed 6 lessons and 65.7% completed the 3-months follow up. Attrition was handled using mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVA.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Both the Mobile and Computer Groups were associated with statistically significantly benefits in the PHQ-9 at post-test. At 3 months follow up, the reduction seen for both groups remained significant.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These results provide evidence to indicate that delivering a CBT program using a mobile application, can result in clinically significant improvements in outcomes for patients with depression.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN 12611001257954</p>