Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

HSR&D Citation Abstract

Search | Search by Center | Search by Source | Keywords in Title

Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Depressive or Anxiety Disorders

Dedert E, McDuffie JR, Swinkels C, Shaw R, Fulton J, Allen KD, Datta S, Williams JW. Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Depressive or Anxiety Disorders. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs (US); 2013 Oct 1. 108 p.




Abstract:

Given the high rates of mental illness among Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, it is not surprising that the demand for mental health services in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has increased 132 percent since 2006. The most commonly diagnosed and treated disorders among Veterans receiving care at VHA include (1) PTSD, (2) depressive disorders, (3) episodic mood disorders, (4) anxiety disorders, and (5) substance use disorders. Unfortunately, shortages in trained mental health providers and logistical barriers limit Veterans' access to evidence-based therapies. To address the growing need and barriers to accessing mental health services, the VA/Department of Defense (DoD) developed the Integrated Mental Health Strategy (IMHS), which includes the development of a series of Web-based self-help programs. Because web-based programs can be accessed anonymously, anytime, anywhere, and by multiple Veterans simultaneously, these services have the potential to surmount stigma and geographical and financial barriers to accessing mental health treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), using group or individual face-to-face therapy, is effective in treating mild to severe mental health symptoms. Computer-based self-help programs grounded in CBT (computerized CBT [cCBT]) have generally been shown to produce significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, but treatment effects vary across studies. The availability of support via email, instant messaging, or phone contact with a therapist may mitigate attrition and improve treatment outcomes. Still, it is unclear how support-related factors influence treatment response to cCBT programs. To support the development of cCBT self-help programs, the VA commissioned the Evidence-based Synthesis Program to conduct a systematic review of the literature.





Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.