Internet therapy for depression in Primary Care Marie Kivi licensed Psychologist / PhD-student Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden Additional authors: Eriksson. M. C., & Johansson. B. Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden Hange. D., Petersson. E-L., & Björkelund. C. Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Theory Previous research supports the use of Internet therapy for depression Previous research = efficacy (i.e. effect under study conditions)

Purpose Investigate the effectiveness of Internet therapy for depression in a Primary Care setting Hypothesis: Internet therapy (IT) for depression in Primary Care is as effective as Treatment as usual (TAU)

Method Identify patients with mild-to-moderate depression at participating PC Centers in the Västra Götaland region Psychologists perform structured interviews (MINI+additions) Randomize included patients to either IT or TAU Measure BDI-II score at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months

Criteria Inclusion Mild-to-moderate depression 18 years or older Exclusion Antidepressant medication begun or changed during 4 last weeks (stable medication allowed) Risk of suicide or previous suicide attempt Cognitive disability Difficulties to communicate in the Swedish language Drug abuse Bipolar disease Schizophrenia / psychosis Other severe mental disorder

IT treatment Treatment software ”Depressionshjälpen” Internet access 8-12 weeks Workbook Support: psychologist with CBT-knowledge Oversees the patient’s progress in the program and the development of the patients mood Secure contact every week in short messages Telephone calls at the start, middle and end of the treatment, ca 2-25 minutes/call Additional contact if necessary

Depressionshjälpen In cooperation with Psykologpartners W&W AB

Data Patients will be included until end of 2012 Aim: 100 patients included As of today: 74 patients included Today, data available for 3 months: n = 33 6 months: n = months: n = 21 Final data from 12 month follow up available in 2014

Preliminary findings BDI-II score months Treatment So far: no significant difference between Internet therapy for depression and Treatment as usual concerning BDI-II

Discussion Based on our preliminary data: Internet therapy for mild-to-moderate depression in Primary Care Seems to be as effective as Treatment as Usual Can be a way to deliver high quality psychological treatment to PC patients