LONDON: Psychosomatic diseases like depression can be effectively treated on the internet, according to a research study by Swedish scientists. It said patients undergoing do-it-yourself self-help sessions through the internet reported same results as those in clinical environments. The findings are significant as people in rural areas suffering from such diseases have problems in reaching to therapists.
The study has been published in the new edition of the British Journal of Psychiatry. It covered 177 Swedes, mostly women in remote northern areas, suffering from mild to moderate depression. One group underwent an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy treatment while a second group received no formal treatment. Both groups were allowed to chat among themselves in a "discussion group". It was found that those receiving internet-based therapy reported decreased depressive symptoms immediately after treatment and at a six-month follow-up. They also showed improvement in their anxiety symptoms and quality of life.
The researchers are of the opinion that internet-based self-help facilitates the spread of cognitive behavioural therapy, which works by helping patients recognise and alter distorted or negative evaluations of neutral situations.
They are, however, concerned about the high drop-out rate -- 37 per cent -- of those receiving internet treatment.
The do-it-yourself programme consisted of 89 pages of text divided into five modules that were estimated to take eight weeks to complete. These included exercises aimed at "cognitive restructuring", improving sleep and physical health, preventing relapse and setting future goals.
Lead researcher Professor Gerhard Andersson, from Linkoping University, said such internet-based therapy options should be pursued further as a complement or alternative to conventional treatment methods.
Posted
on : Wed, 02 Nov 2005 10:25 GMT | General News
By : Mike Lawson
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