Computerised cognitive behaviour therapy for major depression: A reply to the REEACT trial

Title
Computerised cognitive behaviour therapy for major depression: A reply to the REEACT trial
Publication Date
2016-05
Author(s)
Andrews, Gavin
Hobbs, Megan J
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0131-0089
Email: megan.hobbs@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:mhobbs8
Newby, Jill M
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
BMJ Group
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1136/eb-2015-102293
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/28750
Abstract
Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT) has been shown to be an efficacious treatment for depression. A recent meta-analysis of 9 studies showed a large mean effect size superiority over control group (effect size=0.86, number needed to treat=2), good adherence (69%) and benefits were evident at follow-up at a median of 26 weeks. In contrast, REEACT, a major study which compared usual general practitioner (GP) care versus usual GP care plus access to 1 of 2 pioneering CCBT courses detected no differences between the groups. We present the results and discuss possible explanations for these findings. In all 3 groups, usual care was extensive (9 visits in 12 months, 80% on medication, 8–23% getting psychological sessions). Adherence to CCBT courses was very poor (17%). Perhaps the surfeit of services meant there was no need for CCBT. Perhaps neither of the 2 CCBT courses encouraged adherence. What is certain is that this study did not test the potential of these CCBT courses to produce change in patients with depression presenting in primary care.
Link
Citation
Evidence-Based Mental Health, 19(2), p. 43-45
ISSN
1468-960X
1362-0347
Pubmed ID
26993366
Start page
43
End page
45

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