Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Clinical Trial
. 2004 Jul:185:55-62.
doi: 10.1192/bjp.185.1.55.

Cost-effectiveness of computerised cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression in primary care: randomised controlled trial

Paul McCrone  1 , Martin Knapp, Judith Proudfoot, Clash Ryden, Kate Cavanagh, David A Shapiro, Sophie Ilson, Jeffrey A Gray, David Goldberg, Anthony Mann, Isaac Marks, Brian Everitt, Andre Tylee
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Cost-effectiveness of computerised cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression in primary care: randomised controlled trial

Paul McCrone et al. Br J Psychiatry. 2004 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective for treating anxiety and depression in primary care, but there is a shortage of therapists. Computer-delivered treatment may be a viable alternative.

Aims: To assess the cost-effectiveness of computer-delivered CBT.

Method: A sample of people with depression or anxiety were randomised to usual care (n=128) or computer-delivered CBT (n=146). Costs were available for 123 and 138 participants, respectively. Costs and depression scores were combined using the net benefit approach.

Results: Service costs were 40 British pounds (90% CI - 28 British pounds to 148 British pounds) higher over 8 months for computer-delivered CBT. Lost-employment costs were 407 British pounds (90% CI 196 British pounds to 586 British pounds) less for this group. Valuing a 1-unit improvement on the Beck Depression Inventory at 40 British pounds, there is an 81% chance that computer-delivered CBT is cost-effective, and it revealed a highly competitive cost per quality-adjusted life year.

Conclusions: Computer-delivered CBT has a high probability of being cost-effective, even if a modest value is placed on unit improvements in depression.

PubMed Disclaimer

MeSH terms