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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Jan:152-154:113-21.
doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.06.032. Epub 2013 Jul 23.

Internet-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioral intervention for depression: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

Birgit Wagner  1 , Andrea B Horn, Andreas Maercker
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Internet-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioral intervention for depression: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

Birgit Wagner et al. J Affect Disord. 2014 Jan.

Abstract

Background and aims: In the past decade, a large body of research has demonstrated that internet-based interventions can have beneficial effects on depression. However, only a few clinical trials have compared internet-based depression therapy with an equivalent face-to-face treatment. The primary aim of this study was to compare treatment outcomes of an internet-based intervention with a face-to-face intervention for depression in a randomized non-inferiority trial.

Method: A total of 62 participants suffering from depression were randomly assigned to the therapist-supported internet-based intervention group (n=32) and to the face-to-face intervention (n=30). The 8 week interventions were based on cognitive-behavioral therapy principles. Patients in both groups received the same treatment modules in the same chronological order and time-frame. Primary outcome measure was the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II); secondary outcome variables were suicidal ideation, anxiety, hopelessness and automatic thoughts.

Results: The intention-to-treat analysis yielded no significant between-group difference (online vs. face-to-face group) for any of the pre- to post-treatment measurements. At post-treatment both treatment conditions revealed significant symptom changes compared to before the intervention. Within group effect sizes for depression in the online group (d=1.27) and the face-to-face group (d=1.37) can be considered large. At 3-month follow-up, results in the online group remained stable. In contrast to this, participants in the face-to-face group showed significantly worsened depressive symptoms three months after termination of treatment (t=-2.05, df=19, p<.05).

Limitations: Due to the small sample size, it will be important to evaluate these outcomes in adequately-powered trials.

Conclusions: This study shows that an internet-based intervention for depression is equally beneficial to regular face-to-face therapy. However, more long term efficacy, indicated by continued symptom reduction three months after treatment, could be only be found for the online group.

Keywords: CBT; Depression; Face-to-face; Internet.

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