The latest developments with internet-based psychological treatments for depression.

Abstract

Introduction: Internet-based psychological treatments for depression have been around for more than 20 years. There has been a continuous line of research with new research questions being asked and studies conducted.

Areas covered: In this paper, the author reviews studies with a focus on papers published from 2020 and onwards based on a Medline and Scopus search. Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) programs have been developed and tested for adolescents, older adults, immigrant groups and to handle a societal crisis (e.g. COVID-19). ICBT works in regular clinical settings and long-term effects can be obtained. Studies on different treatment orientations and approaches such as acceptance commitment therapy, unified protocol, and tailored treatments have been conducted. Effects on quality-of-life measures, knowledge acquisition and ecological momentary assessment as a research tool have been reported. Factorial design trials and individual patient data meta-analysis are increasingly used in association with internet intervention research. Finally, prediction studies and recent advances in artificial intelligence are mentioned.

Expert opinion: Internet-delivered treatments are effective, in particular if therapist guidance is provided. More target groups have been covered but there are many remaining challenges including how new tools like artificial intelligence will be used when treating depression.