Pub Date : 2025-08-09eCollection Date: 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2025.100865
Lauren G Staples, Blake F Dear, Olav Nielssen, Nickolai Titov
Background: People who are socioeconomically disadvantaged have higher rates of mental disorder and are more likely to face barriers to evidence-based psychological services. Barriers include the cost of treatment, limited availability of local services, and the burden of psychosocial difficulties. Psychological treatment delivered via the internet can overcome some of these barriers.
Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of data collected from 21,561 patients accessing online psychological assessment and treatment. Residential postcodes were used to assign patients to a socioeconomic group (low, mid, or high SES), based on the Index of Economic Resources published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Results: The low SES group comprised 34.1 % of the sample and the mid SES group comprised 35.7 %. A perceived lack of local or affordable mental health services was the main reason given for accessing online mental health assessment and treatment. There were small but significant demographic differences between groups at assessment, and baseline symptoms of depression and anxiety were slightly higher for the low and mid SES groups. Despite these differences, there were no group differences in treatment outcomes. All groups showed large symptom reductions on measures of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7), with Cohen's d effect sizes between 1.36 and 1.47. Reliable deterioration rates were low, and satisfaction rates were high.
Conclusion: This study shows that people residing in low socioeconomic areas engage with and benefit from digital mental health services. Results suggest that scalable digital psychological services can improve the equity of access to mental health care.
{"title":"Do people residing in low socioeconomic areas engage with and benefit from digital mental health services?","authors":"Lauren G Staples, Blake F Dear, Olav Nielssen, Nickolai Titov","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100865","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100865","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People who are socioeconomically disadvantaged have higher rates of mental disorder and are more likely to face barriers to evidence-based psychological services. Barriers include the cost of treatment, limited availability of local services, and the burden of psychosocial difficulties. Psychological treatment delivered via the internet can overcome some of these barriers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was a retrospective analysis of data collected from 21,561 patients accessing online psychological assessment and treatment. Residential postcodes were used to assign patients to a socioeconomic group (low, mid, or high SES), based on the Index of Economic Resources published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The low SES group comprised 34.1 % of the sample and the mid SES group comprised 35.7 %. A perceived lack of local or affordable mental health services was the main reason given for accessing online mental health assessment and treatment. There were small but significant demographic differences between groups at assessment, and baseline symptoms of depression and anxiety were slightly higher for the low and mid SES groups. Despite these differences, there were no group differences in treatment outcomes. All groups showed large symptom reductions on measures of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7), with Cohen's d effect sizes between 1.36 and 1.47. Reliable deterioration rates were low, and satisfaction rates were high.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study shows that people residing in low socioeconomic areas engage with and benefit from digital mental health services. Results suggest that scalable digital psychological services can improve the equity of access to mental health care.</p>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"41 ","pages":"100865"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12357260/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144876031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-08DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2025.100867
Anna Baumeister , Lea Schuurmans , Steffen Moritz
Background and aim
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric condition, yet few patients receive adequate treatment, primarily due to high barriers to treatment (e.g., long waiting times, fear of stigmatization). Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) programs have emerged as a promising approach to addressing this treatment gap, demonstrating effectiveness across various anxiety disorders. However, only a few studies have specifically addressed unguided iCBT. This trial investigated a six-week transdiagnostic unguided iCBT intervention designed to reduce anxiety and related symptoms.
Methods
Randomized to an intervention group and a waitlist control group with care as usual, 318 participants were included in the analyses, which used ANCOVAs to assess changes in symptom severity of anxiety (primary) and related secondary outcomes (stress, depression and anxiety, quality of life, self-esteem).
Results
Significant post-intervention reductions in anxiety, stress, and depression were found in the intervention group compared to controls at small to medium effect sizes (|Hedges's g| = 0.27–0.35). Concurrent ongoing psychotherapy negatively modified the treatment effect.
Conclusion
The iCBT program proved effective overall in reducing anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms compared to care as usual. However, the program did not appear to have an add-on effect for individuals who were simultaneously receiving conventional psychotherapy. Further research is needed to investigate the effects in this subgroup in more detail.
{"title":"Anxiety unplugged: Effectiveness of an unguided, transdiagnostic, web-based intervention for anxiety disorders—A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Anna Baumeister , Lea Schuurmans , Steffen Moritz","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100867","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100867","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric condition, yet few patients receive adequate treatment, primarily due to high barriers to treatment (e.g., long waiting times, fear of stigmatization). Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) programs have emerged as a promising approach to addressing this treatment gap, demonstrating effectiveness across various anxiety disorders. However, only a few studies have specifically addressed unguided iCBT. This trial investigated a six-week transdiagnostic unguided iCBT intervention designed to reduce anxiety and related symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Randomized to an intervention group and a waitlist control group with care as usual, 318 participants were included in the analyses, which used ANCOVAs to assess changes in symptom severity of anxiety (primary) and related secondary outcomes (stress, depression and anxiety, quality of life, self-esteem).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant post-intervention reductions in anxiety, stress, and depression were found in the intervention group compared to controls at small to medium effect sizes (|Hedges's <em>g</em>| = 0.27–0.35). Concurrent ongoing psychotherapy negatively modified the treatment effect.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The iCBT program proved effective overall in reducing anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms compared to care as usual. However, the program did not appear to have an add-on effect for individuals who were simultaneously receiving conventional psychotherapy. Further research is needed to investigate the effects in this subgroup in more detail.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 100867"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144830580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Perinatal depression is a predominant and serious condition that adversely affects prenatal and postpartum women and their children. Prenatal depression is a notable predictor of postpartum depression, highlighting the need for mental health care during pregnancy. Therefore, we developed an innovative smartphone application based on interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) to improve depressive symptoms in women in the perinatal period (i.e., from pregnancy through the first year postpartum). Here, we present a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol to investigate the potential of this intervention for prenatal women.
Methods
This study is an 8-week, open-label, parallel-group, stratified block RCT. In total, 350 primiparous women were randomly assigned to the intervention group—combining the smartphone application for mental health care based on IPT and care as usual—and the control group, with only care as usual. The women assigned to the intervention were encouraged to use the application for approximately 5–10 min daily. The primary outcomes included the proportion of participants with moderate-to-high satisfaction (scoring ≥17 on the 8-item Client Satisfaction Questionnaire) and changes in depressive symptoms measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.
Discussion
To our knowledge, this RCT is the first to investigate the acceptability and efficacy of an IPT-based smartphone application for reducing depressive symptoms in prenatal women. If successful, the findings will contribute to the growing evidence supporting digital mental health interventions during pregnancy, offering a scalable and accessible solution for prenatal mental health care.
{"title":"Acceptability and efficacy of a smartphone application intervention for mental health care based on interpersonal psychotherapy for improving depression symptoms in prenatal women: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial","authors":"Yuko Toshishige , Natsumi Chatani , Shiori Kawasaki , Shinobu Goto , Yuki Yoshida , Yusaku Takahashi , Misaki Shimasaki , Takuya Okami , Gaku Sakaguchi , Toshiaki A. Furukawa , Hiroko Mizushima , Tatsuo Akechi","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100838","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100838","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Perinatal depression is a predominant and serious condition that adversely affects prenatal and postpartum women and their children. Prenatal depression is a notable predictor of postpartum depression, highlighting the need for mental health care during pregnancy. Therefore, we developed an innovative smartphone application based on interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) to improve depressive symptoms in women in the perinatal period (i.e., from pregnancy through the first year postpartum). Here, we present a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol to investigate the potential of this intervention for prenatal women.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study is an 8-week, open-label, parallel-group, stratified block RCT. In total, 350 primiparous women were randomly assigned to the intervention group—combining the smartphone application for mental health care based on IPT and care as usual—and the control group, with only care as usual. The women assigned to the intervention were encouraged to use the application for approximately 5–10 min daily. The primary outcomes included the proportion of participants with moderate-to-high satisfaction (scoring ≥17 on the 8-item Client Satisfaction Questionnaire) and changes in depressive symptoms measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>To our knowledge, this RCT is the first to investigate the acceptability and efficacy of an IPT-based smartphone application for reducing depressive symptoms in prenatal women. If successful, the findings will contribute to the growing evidence supporting digital mental health interventions during pregnancy, offering a scalable and accessible solution for prenatal mental health care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 100838"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144892900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-21DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2025.100863
Youngjung Suh , Jinwon Yoo
Problematic Internet Usage (PIU) research has long been a topic of interest across disciplines, and numerous theoretical and empirical studies have been conducted over the past decade. This study systematically reviews the existing literature to identify key research objectives, datasets, methodologies, and applications, and to highlight important gaps and challenges. To improve understanding and detection of PIU, we designed a comprehensive machine learning pipeline that combines detailed preprocessing, feature extraction, modeling, and performance validation strategies. Systematic evaluations demonstrate that model performance is significantly improved by addressing missing values and data imbalance. In particular, we identified key predictive features such as physiological indicators, physical activity, sleep quality, and Internet usage patterns, and clearly elucidated the differences in the positive or negative impact of these key features on PIU detection at different severity levels. These results have practical implications, especially for promoting early detection and enabling tailored interventions. Ultimately, this study contributes to digital health initiatives by providing actionable insights for the development of effective Internet addiction prevention and intervention programs.
{"title":"Risk level prediction for problematic internet use: A digital health perspective","authors":"Youngjung Suh , Jinwon Yoo","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100863","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100863","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Problematic Internet Usage (PIU) research has long been a topic of interest across disciplines, and numerous theoretical and empirical studies have been conducted over the past decade. This study systematically reviews the existing literature to identify key research objectives, datasets, methodologies, and applications, and to highlight important gaps and challenges. To improve understanding and detection of PIU, we designed a comprehensive machine learning pipeline that combines detailed preprocessing, feature extraction, modeling, and performance validation strategies. Systematic evaluations demonstrate that model performance is significantly improved by addressing missing values and data imbalance. In particular, we identified key predictive features such as physiological indicators, physical activity, sleep quality, and Internet usage patterns, and clearly elucidated the differences in the positive or negative impact of these key features on PIU detection at different severity levels. These results have practical implications, especially for promoting early detection and enabling tailored interventions. Ultimately, this study contributes to digital health initiatives by providing actionable insights for the development of effective Internet addiction prevention and intervention programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 100863"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144672648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-19DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2025.100864
Robert Ahm , Nina Rottmann , Søren Jensen Skovbakke , Charlotte Helmark , Christina Antoinetta Vasilescu , Susanne S. Pedersen
Introduction
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of mortality that is very often accompanied by comorbid anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to develop MY-CHOICE, a guided internet-based psychological intervention for the treatment of anxiety and depression in IHD patients using patient and public involvement (PPI).
Method
We used the framework recommended by the Medical Research Counsel for developing and evaluating complex interventions to develop MY-CHOICE. Patient representatives with IHD and comorbid anxiety and/or depression (n = 5) were recruited from Odense University Hospital and invited to a series of workshops to gather their feedback on the MY-CHOICE prototype. The workshops used the MUST method for the planning, facilitation, data generation and analysis. The MoSCoW principles were used to help the patient representatives in prioritizing among their suggestions. Data were collected by means of audio recordings and observational notes.
Results
This study revealed the need for new treatment modules, including how to manage chronic pain and how to navigate the healthcare system. The patient representatives emphasized the importance of shared decision-making in customizing treatment to individual preferences and needs.
Discussion
MY-CHOICE represents a patient focused approach to improving mental health in patients with IHD. By integrating patient feedback through PPI, MY-CHOICE aims to deliver tailored psychological treatment, possibly increasing relevance and adherence.
Conclusion
This study highlights the necessity of addressing comprehensive needs in IHD patients, including chronic pain, and emphasizes the importance of using shared decision-making to optimize patient engagement and adherence to treatment.
{"title":"Development of a guided internet-based psychological intervention for patients with ischemic heart disease and comorbid anxiety and/or depression: A patient and public involvement study","authors":"Robert Ahm , Nina Rottmann , Søren Jensen Skovbakke , Charlotte Helmark , Christina Antoinetta Vasilescu , Susanne S. Pedersen","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100864","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100864","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of mortality that is very often accompanied by comorbid anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to develop MY-CHOICE, a guided internet-based psychological intervention for the treatment of anxiety and depression in IHD patients using patient and public involvement (PPI).</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>We used the framework recommended by the Medical Research Counsel for developing and evaluating complex interventions to develop MY-CHOICE. Patient representatives with IHD and comorbid anxiety and/or depression (<em>n</em> = 5) were recruited from Odense University Hospital and invited to a series of workshops to gather their feedback on the MY-CHOICE prototype. The workshops used the MUST method for the planning, facilitation, data generation and analysis. The MoSCoW principles were used to help the patient representatives in prioritizing among their suggestions. Data were collected by means of audio recordings and observational notes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study revealed the need for new treatment modules, including how to manage chronic pain and how to navigate the healthcare system. The patient representatives emphasized the importance of shared decision-making in customizing treatment to individual preferences and needs.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>MY-CHOICE represents a patient focused approach to improving mental health in patients with IHD. By integrating patient feedback through PPI, MY-CHOICE aims to deliver tailored psychological treatment, possibly increasing relevance and adherence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights the necessity of addressing comprehensive needs in IHD patients, including chronic pain, and emphasizes the importance of using shared decision-making to optimize patient engagement and adherence to treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 100864"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144679625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-11DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2025.100860
Mathias Harrer , Clara Miguel , Lingyao Tong , Paula Kuper , Antonia A. Sprenger , Yuki Furukawa , Yingying Wang , Wouter van Ballegooijen , Marketa Ciharova , Olga M. Panagiotopoulou , Ioana Cristea , Jessica L. Hamblen , Paula P. Schnurr , Heleen Riper , Marit Sijbrandij , Eirini Karyotaki , Annemieke van Straten , Toshi A. Furukawa , Davide Papola , Stefan Leucht , Pim Cuijpers
Objectives
In this unified series of meta-analyses, we integrate the effects of digital interventions in adults with mental disorders compared to inactive controls. We cover eight indications: depressive disorder, insomnia, specific phobias, generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Methods
Digital intervention trials in patients with a diagnosed mental disorder (confirmed by clinical interviews) were extracted from the Metapsy living databases for psychological treatments. Standardized meta-analyses were conducted to pool effects for each disorder, as well as separately for guided and unguided treatments. We also examined study dropout rates, conducted meta-regression analyses stratified by disorder, and identified treatments that have since become available as prescribable digital therapeutics in routine care.
Results
In total, 168 studies (22,144 patients) were included. Moderate effect sizes were observed for PTSD (g = 0.57), depression (g = 0.62), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (g = 0.68). Large effects emerged for generalized anxiety (g = 0.80), social anxiety (g = 0.84), insomnia (g = 0.94), panic disorder (g = 1.05), and specific phobias (g = 1.18). Pooled study dropout rates were generally moderate (≤20 %), but higher in intervention arms (RR = 1.13–2.66). Trials with low risk of bias and care-as-usual comparisons were limited across indications. We found 16 trials evaluating a prescribable digital therapeutic (g = 0.33–1.60).
Conclusions
Digital interventions can be effective across a wide range of diagnosed mental disorders. For some indications, more high-quality trials and comparisons against care-as-usual are needed to confirm the robustness of the effect, particularly for unguided treatments. Digital interventions are increasingly commercialized as prescribable digital therapeutics. Rising industry involvement may present both opportunities and new challenges for the field.
{"title":"Effectiveness of digital interventions for eight mental disorders: A meta-analytic synthesis","authors":"Mathias Harrer , Clara Miguel , Lingyao Tong , Paula Kuper , Antonia A. Sprenger , Yuki Furukawa , Yingying Wang , Wouter van Ballegooijen , Marketa Ciharova , Olga M. Panagiotopoulou , Ioana Cristea , Jessica L. Hamblen , Paula P. Schnurr , Heleen Riper , Marit Sijbrandij , Eirini Karyotaki , Annemieke van Straten , Toshi A. Furukawa , Davide Papola , Stefan Leucht , Pim Cuijpers","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100860","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100860","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>In this unified series of meta-analyses, we integrate the effects of digital interventions in adults with mental disorders compared to inactive controls. We cover eight indications: depressive disorder, insomnia, specific phobias, generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and posttraumatic stress disorder.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Digital intervention trials in patients with a diagnosed mental disorder (confirmed by clinical interviews) were extracted from the Metapsy living databases for psychological treatments. Standardized meta-analyses were conducted to pool effects for each disorder, as well as separately for guided and unguided treatments. We also examined study dropout rates, conducted meta-regression analyses stratified by disorder, and identified treatments that have since become available as prescribable digital therapeutics in routine care.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total, 168 studies (22,144 patients) were included. Moderate effect sizes were observed for PTSD (<em>g</em> = 0.57), depression (<em>g</em> = 0.62), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (<em>g</em> = 0.68). Large effects emerged for generalized anxiety (<em>g</em> = 0.80), social anxiety (<em>g</em> = 0.84), insomnia (<em>g</em> = 0.94), panic disorder (<em>g</em> = 1.05), and specific phobias (<em>g</em> = 1.18). Pooled study dropout rates were generally moderate (≤20 %), but higher in intervention arms (<em>RR</em> = 1.13–2.66). Trials with low risk of bias and care-as-usual comparisons were limited across indications. We found 16 trials evaluating a prescribable digital therapeutic (<em>g</em> = 0.33–1.60).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Digital interventions can be effective across a wide range of diagnosed mental disorders. For some indications, more high-quality trials and comparisons against care-as-usual are needed to confirm the robustness of the effect, particularly for unguided treatments. Digital interventions are increasingly commercialized as prescribable digital therapeutics. Rising industry involvement may present both opportunities and new challenges for the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 100860"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-10DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2025.100862
Chao Kei Lao , Xi Wang , Xinyi Li , Zhongqing Wang , Guangyu Zhou
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a major global public health concern, with chronic infection affecting physical, psychological, social and work functioning, often leading to depression, anxiety, and stress. However, tailored online psychological interventions remain limited. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of a culturally-adapted four-week mobile cognitive-behavioral intervention for reducing depression, anxiety, and stress levels among individuals with HBV in China. Thirty-seven HBV-positive participants (age 18–65) with moderate to severe depression, anxiety or stress were recruited through an online platform. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 19) or waitlist control (n = 18). The intervention included animated psychoeducation, interactive exercises, and weekly feedback from trained clinical psychology graduates. Primary outcomes—depression, anxiety, and stress—were assessed weekly (T0–T4), while secondary outcomes—fatigue, cognitive flexibility, and post-traumatic stress—were measured at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T4). Results showed that the intervention was feasible, with no serious adverse events reported. Participants in the intervention group completed an average of 43.2 % of the program and reported high satisfaction with it. Intention-to-treat repeated-measures ANOVA indicated significant improvements in depression and anxiety for both groups but found no significant differences between groups in primary or secondary psychological outcomes. This pilot study underscores the need to refine intervention content and delivery methods. Larger trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of online psychological interventions for individuals with HBV and to explore strategies for enhancing engagement and adherence.
{"title":"A culturally adapted mobile cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals with Hepatitis B on depression, anxiety and stress: A pilot randomized controlled trial","authors":"Chao Kei Lao , Xi Wang , Xinyi Li , Zhongqing Wang , Guangyu Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100862","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100862","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a major global public health concern, with chronic infection affecting physical, psychological, social and work functioning, often leading to depression, anxiety, and stress. However, tailored online psychological interventions remain limited. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of a culturally-adapted four-week mobile cognitive-behavioral intervention for reducing depression, anxiety, and stress levels among individuals with HBV in China. Thirty-seven HBV-positive participants (age 18–65) with moderate to severe depression, anxiety or stress were recruited through an online platform. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (<em>n</em> = 19) or waitlist control (<em>n</em> = 18). The intervention included animated psychoeducation, interactive exercises, and weekly feedback from trained clinical psychology graduates. Primary outcomes—depression, anxiety, and stress—were assessed weekly (T0–T4), while secondary outcomes—fatigue, cognitive flexibility, and post-traumatic stress—were measured at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T4). Results showed that the intervention was feasible, with no serious adverse events reported. Participants in the intervention group completed an average of 43.2 % of the program and reported high satisfaction with it. Intention-to-treat repeated-measures ANOVA indicated significant improvements in depression and anxiety for both groups but found no significant differences between groups in primary or secondary psychological outcomes. This pilot study underscores the need to refine intervention content and delivery methods. Larger trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of online psychological interventions for individuals with HBV and to explore strategies for enhancing engagement and adherence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 100862"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144606122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-10DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2025.100861
Nora Choque Olsson , Julia Nordlander Björkman , Rasmus Lackell , Oliver Bergens , Håkan Fischer , Lillian Döllinger , Jan Bergström , Per Carlbring , Petri Laukka
Background
Research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties in emotion recognition (ER), which could lead to social difficulties. ER can be enhanced through targeted interventions, but generalization to everyday functioning poses a challenge. Using dynamic multimodal emotional expressions for training may increase similarities to everyday situations. This pilot study investigated the feasibility of internet-based multimodal emotion recognition training (iMERAT) for adolescents with ASD.
Method
Eight adolescents with ASD and nine typically developing (TD) adolescents took part in the iMERAT intervention, which included brief online training sessions conducted each weekday during a 3-week period. Training was performed on dynamic facial, vocal and multimodal emotional expressions, with outcome feedback provided after each response. A survey was conducted to explore participants' experiences of the training. ER was measured pre- and post-training using a multimodal ER test.
Results
Participants reported that the training was moderately difficult, instructions were relatively easy to understand, and the duration of training was appropriate. Content analysis of open-ended responses suggested further adaptations, such as providing more explanations of emotions and further tailoring content and language for adolescents. ER increased from pre- to post-intervention, with large effect sizes for both ASD and TD adolescents.
Conclusion
Results suggest that the iMERAT intervention is feasible for adolescents with ASD. Gains in ER ability were observed, but the small sample size and lack of a control group render these findings tentative. Further research is required to assess the effectiveness of the iMERAT and possible impact on broader social skills.
{"title":"Feasibility of internet-based multimodal emotion recognition training in adolescents with and without autism: A pilot study","authors":"Nora Choque Olsson , Julia Nordlander Björkman , Rasmus Lackell , Oliver Bergens , Håkan Fischer , Lillian Döllinger , Jan Bergström , Per Carlbring , Petri Laukka","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100861","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100861","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties in emotion recognition (ER), which could lead to social difficulties. ER can be enhanced through targeted interventions, but generalization to everyday functioning poses a challenge. Using dynamic multimodal emotional expressions for training may increase similarities to everyday situations. This pilot study investigated the feasibility of internet-based multimodal emotion recognition training (iMERAT) for adolescents with ASD.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Eight adolescents with ASD and nine typically developing (TD) adolescents took part in the iMERAT intervention, which included brief online training sessions conducted each weekday during a 3-week period. Training was performed on dynamic facial, vocal and multimodal emotional expressions, with outcome feedback provided after each response. A survey was conducted to explore participants' experiences of the training. ER was measured pre- and post-training using a multimodal ER test.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants reported that the training was moderately difficult, instructions were relatively easy to understand, and the duration of training was appropriate. Content analysis of open-ended responses suggested further adaptations, such as providing more explanations of emotions and further tailoring content and language for adolescents. ER increased from pre- to post-intervention, with large effect sizes for both ASD and TD adolescents.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Results suggest that the iMERAT intervention is feasible for adolescents with ASD. Gains in ER ability were observed, but the small sample size and lack of a control group render these findings tentative. Further research is required to assess the effectiveness of the iMERAT and possible impact on broader social skills.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 100861"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144595787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-09DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2025.100854
Juliana Maltoni , Carmem Beatriz Neufeld , Victoria Aminoff , Gerhard Andersson
Background
Anxiety and depressive disorders are highly prevalent in Brazil, with higher vulnerability among young adults. Despite the high prevalence, Brazil faces significant challenges in its mental health care system, with only a minority receiving treatment. Tailored internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) offers a promising strategy to address this treatment versus demand gap. This study examines the efficacy of individually tailored ICBT intervention with on-demand support for reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms in young adults.
Methods
This two-arm randomized controlled trial involved Brazilian young adults (aged 18–24 years) who were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (n = 46) or a waitlist control group (n = 46). The 8-week treatment included individually tailored ICBT with therapist support on-demand via chat, conducted on an online platform. Primary outcomes were symptoms of anxiety and depression. Secondary measures included stress, insomnia, smartphone and social media use, perfectionism, and quality of life. A six-month follow-up was conducted.
Results
Multiple regression analysis indicated that the treatment group, in comparison to the control group, showed significant reductions in anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia, as well as improvements in quality of life, with moderate to large effects sizes.
Conclusion
ICBT is a viable intervention for young Brazilians experiencing common mental health symptoms. Further research is needed to explore implementation and impact on other populations.
{"title":"Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depressive symptoms in Brazilian emerging adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial","authors":"Juliana Maltoni , Carmem Beatriz Neufeld , Victoria Aminoff , Gerhard Andersson","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100854","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100854","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Anxiety and depressive disorders are highly prevalent in Brazil, with higher vulnerability among young adults. Despite the high prevalence, Brazil faces significant challenges in its mental health care system, with only a minority receiving treatment. Tailored internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) offers a promising strategy to address this treatment versus demand gap. This study examines the efficacy of individually tailored ICBT intervention with on-demand support for reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms in young adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This two-arm randomized controlled trial involved Brazilian young adults (aged 18–24 years) who were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (<em>n</em> = 46) or a waitlist control group (<em>n</em> = 46). The 8-week treatment included individually tailored ICBT with therapist support on-demand via chat, conducted on an online platform. Primary outcomes were symptoms of anxiety and depression. Secondary measures included stress, insomnia, smartphone and social media use, perfectionism, and quality of life. A six-month follow-up was conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Multiple regression analysis indicated that the treatment group, in comparison to the control group, showed significant reductions in anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia, as well as improvements in quality of life, with moderate to large effects sizes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>ICBT is a viable intervention for young Brazilians experiencing common mental health symptoms. Further research is needed to explore implementation and impact on other populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 100854"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144581156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-08DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2025.100856
Thomas Hansen , Rune Johansen , Benedicte Kirkøen , Kim Stene-Larsen , Melanie Straiton , Ragnhild A. Tornes , Anne Reneflot
As loneliness and social isolation emerge as pressing public health concerns, identifying effective interventions is essential. Digital solutions offer flexible, scalable, and cost-effective approaches, yet their effectiveness remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the impact of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on digital interventions to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched seven databases and grey literature (2022–) and applied random-effects models to pool effect sizes by intervention type. A total of 40 RCTs involving 6062 participants were included, with one-third focusing on younger individuals. Loneliness was assessed in 36 studies, while eight examined social isolation. Interventions were classified as psychological (k = 25), social (k = 4), activity-based (k = 4), robot-based (k = 4), and social media reduction (k = 5). Psychological interventions—especially those with group or social components—along with group-based activities and robotic pets, were effective in reducing loneliness. In contrast, social contact interventions, self-guided individual activities, and conversational robots showed limited impact. Social media reduction interventions suggested potential benefits, though results were not statistically significant. The evidence base exhibited moderate to high risk of bias, heterogeneity, and limited long-term follow-up. We provide specific recommendations for future interventions and research, including leveraging digital technologies for enhanced personalization, using digital tools for signposting non-digital interventions, systematically comparing digital and non-digital versions of the same intervention, and, most critically, examining the impact of increasingly popular AI-driven and humanlike social chatbots.
{"title":"Digital bridges to social connection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of digital interventions for loneliness and social isolation","authors":"Thomas Hansen , Rune Johansen , Benedicte Kirkøen , Kim Stene-Larsen , Melanie Straiton , Ragnhild A. Tornes , Anne Reneflot","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100856","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100856","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As loneliness and social isolation emerge as pressing public health concerns, identifying effective interventions is essential. Digital solutions offer flexible, scalable, and cost-effective approaches, yet their effectiveness remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the impact of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on digital interventions to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched seven databases and grey literature (2022–) and applied random-effects models to pool effect sizes by intervention type. A total of 40 RCTs involving 6062 participants were included, with one-third focusing on younger individuals. Loneliness was assessed in 36 studies, while eight examined social isolation. Interventions were classified as psychological (k = 25), social (k = 4), activity-based (k = 4), robot-based (k = 4), and social media reduction (k = 5). Psychological interventions—especially those with group or social components—along with group-based activities and robotic pets, were effective in reducing loneliness. In contrast, social contact interventions, self-guided individual activities, and conversational robots showed limited impact. Social media reduction interventions suggested potential benefits, though results were not statistically significant. The evidence base exhibited moderate to high risk of bias, heterogeneity, and limited long-term follow-up. We provide specific recommendations for future interventions and research, including leveraging digital technologies for enhanced personalization, using digital tools for signposting non-digital interventions, systematically comparing digital and non-digital versions of the same intervention, and, most critically, examining the impact of increasingly popular AI-driven and humanlike social chatbots.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 100856"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144614190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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