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. 2016 Feb 1;2(1):50-58.
doi: 10.1192/bjpo.bp.115.002139. eCollection 2016 Jan.

Treating anxiety and depression in older adults: randomised controlled trial comparing guided v. self-guided internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy

Nickolai Titov  1 , Vincent J Fogliati  1 , Lauren G Staples  1 , Milena Gandy  1 , Luke Johnston  2 , Bethany Wootton  3 , Olav Nielssen  1 , Blake F Dear  2
Affiliations

Treating anxiety and depression in older adults: randomised controlled trial comparing guided v. self-guided internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy

Nickolai Titov et al. BJPsych Open. .

Abstract

Background: Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent in older adults.

Aims: To compare clinician-guided and self-guided versions of a transdiagnostic internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT) intervention for adults aged 60 years and above.

Method: Adults (n=433) with symptoms of anxiety and depression were randomly allocated to: (1) clinician-guided treatment (n=153); (2) initial clinician interview followed by self-guided treatment (n=140); or (3) self-guided treatment without interview (n=140).

Results: Large reductions (d ≥1.00) in symptoms of depression and anxiety were observed across groups, and sustained at follow-up. No differences were observed in clinical outcomes or satisfaction ratings. Age did not affect outcomes.

Conclusions: Carefully developed iCBT interventions may significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in older adults when delivered in either clinician-guided or self-guided formats.

Declaration of interest: N.T. and B.F.D. developed the Wellbeing Plus Course but derive no financial benefit from it.

Copyright and usage: © 2016 The Royal College of Psychiatrists. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) licence.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Participant flow from application to 3-month follow-up. CBT, cognitive–behavioural therapy; PHQ-9, 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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