Comparing Anxiety and Depression Changes in Users of a CBT Website
Author Information
Author(s): Helen Christensen, Kathleen M Griffiths, Ailsa E Korten, Kylie Brittliffe, Chloe Groves, John Powell
Primary Institution: Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University
Hypothesis
Do spontaneous users of a cognitive behavior therapy website experience similar changes in anxiety and depression symptoms as trial participants?
Conclusion
Both public registrants and trial participants showed significant improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms after using the MoodGYM website.
Supporting Evidence
- Public registrants and trial participants had similar initial levels of depression and anxiety.
- Both groups showed significant improvement in symptoms after using the MoodGYM website.
- Trial participants completed more assessments than public registrants.
Takeaway
People using a mental health website can feel better, just like those in a study, even if they don't have a coach helping them.
Methodology
The study compared outcomes of spontaneous visitors to the MoodGYM website with those of participants in a randomized controlled trial, analyzing symptom changes through repeated assessments.
Potential Biases
Selection biases may exist due to differences in demographics and engagement between trial participants and community users.
Limitations
The community users were less likely to complete the full treatment program compared to trial participants, which may affect the results.
Participant Demographics
Two-thirds of registrants were female, with participants from over 62 countries.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.14-1.34
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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