Scientific insights from ten years of delivering psychological treatment via the internet as part of routine care.

Abstract

BackgroundDigital mental health services (DMHS) providing psychological treatment via the internet were developed to address the huge unmet need for evidence-based care for high prevalence psychiatric disorders.AimTo review some of the scientific insights derived from data provided by a high volume DMHS delivering psychological services as part of routine care.MethodA summary of results derived from demographic information and validated symptom self-report scales from very large samples of patients.ResultsThe main findings were (1) anxiety and depression are often part of the same condition and respond to the same treatment, (2) iCBT is effective for mood symptoms, regardless of cause, (3) iCBT works just as well for men and for women and (4) chronic pain is a symptom that is amenable to psychological treatment delivered via the internet. We identified five core behaviours required to maintain good mental health. We also found that psychological assessment and treatment provided remotely was relatively safe.ConclusionsDMHS are accessible, effective, efficient and relatively safe. As well as supporting quality control and service evaluation, the routine measurement of outcomes by DMHS has improved our understanding of the nature of common mental disorders.