Online-/Internet-Programme zur Psychotherapie bei Depression Πeine Zwischenbilanz // Online-/Internet-based psychological therapies for depression Πa summarizing report

Online-/Internet-based psychological therapies for depression – a summarizing report. In the face of the gap between demand of psychotherapy and limited availability internet-based psychological treatments for depression play an increasingly important role in Germany and Austria. Online-/Internet-based treatments can be divided in self-help programs for psychoeducation/ information and internetbased treatments with therapist support (guided) in different way (e-Mail, chat, real-time). Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (iBCT) has emerged the leading program varying in the degree of individual tailoring, therapist involvement and the use of different media. Efficacy of iBCT for depression has been demonstrated in several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. In structured internet-based treatments with therapist support effect sizes are comparable to those obtained in face-to-face-psychotherapy, some programs show replicated efficacy without personal contact of therapists. Data of the most used program deprexis24® in Germany compared with others are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of internet-based therapies as well as problems of data protection are discussed. Further research is needed regarding iBCT use in clinically defined patients, routine psychiatric care and health care settings as well as how therapist factors may influence outcome. J Neurol Neurochir Psychiatr 2016; 17 (Pre-Publishing Online).