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Title Internet-administered cognitive behavior therapy for health problems: a systematic review
Journal Journal of Behavior Medicine
Date December 29, 2007
Authors
  1. Pim Cuijpers: Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University Amsterdam;  P.Cuijpers@psy.vu.nl; +31-(0)20 598 8757; http://www.psy.vu.nl/fpp.php/departments/clinicalpsychology/people/details.html?id=432
  2. Annemieke van Straten: Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University Amsterdam; A.van.Straten@psy.vu.nl; +31 (0) 20 598 8970 http://www.psy.vu.nl/fpp.php/departments/clinicalpsychology/people/details.html?id=464
  3. Gerhard Anderson: Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning , Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden and Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Psychiatric Section, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. ; Gerhard.Andersson@liu.se; +46-13-28 5840; http://www.gerhardandersson.se/
Overview Internet therapy is comparable to face-to-face therapy, but offers several additional benefits to those who cannot easily access the traditional forms of therapy.
Abstract Cognitive Behavior Therapies (CBT) rely on empirical evidence and are therefore the most rigorously researched form of psychological treatment. This article reviewed twelve studies and compared 841 patients who received CBT online with 863 in the control settings. The results showed that online CBT is not as effective treating symptoms such as headache and chronic back pain. However, the study found that its effects on symptoms of depression and anxiety are often superior to traditional approaches. This shows that CBT can be more successful than the traditional method of treating mental disorders.  While the paper calls for additional study, it recognizes the benefits of internet-administered CBT.
Notable Quote “Internet-delivered cognitive interventions are a promising addition and complement to existing treatments.” (Cuijpers, Straten, Anderson, 12/29/2007, P169)
Keywords Cognitive behavior therapy, internet, depression, anxiety
Section / Program Depression/Anxiety