Longitudinal outcomes of a therapist-supported digital mental health intervention for depression and anxiety symptoms: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined treatment outcomes (depression and anxiety symptoms) up to 24 months after completion of a therapist-supported digital mental health intervention (DMHI).

Methods

The sample consisted of 380 participants who participated in an eight-week DMHI from February 6, 2017 to May 20, 2019. Participants reported depression and anxiety symptoms at eight timepoints from baseline to 24 months. Mixed-effects modelling was used to investigate symptom changes over time. The proportion of participants meeting criteria for treatment response, clinically significant change, and remission of depression and anxiety symptoms were calculated, including proportions demonstrating each outcome sustained up to each timepoint.

Results

Multivariate analyses yielded statistically significant reductions in depression (β = −5.40) and anxiety (β = −3.31) symptoms from baseline to end of treatment (8 weeks). Symptom levels remained significantly reduced from baseline through 24 months. The proportion of participants meeting criteria for clinical treatment outcomes remained constant over 24 months, although there were linear decreases in the proportions experiencing sustained clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Treatment gains were made for depression and anxiety symptoms at the end of treatment and up to 24 months. Future studies should determine the feasibility of integrating post-treatment programmes into DMHIs to address symptom deterioration.