In:
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, S. Karger AG, Vol. 90, No. 2 ( 2021), p. 94-106
Abstract:
〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Introduction: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 Evidence on effects of Internet-based interventions to treat subthreshold depression (sD) and prevent the onset of major depression (MDD) is inconsistent. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Objective: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 We conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis to determine differences between intervention and control groups (IG, CG) in depressive symptom severity (DSS), treatment response, close to symptom-free status, symptom deterioration and MDD onset as well as moderators of intervention outcomes. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 Randomized controlled trials were identified through systematic searches via PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and Cochrane Library. Multilevel regression analyses were used to examine efficacy and moderators. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 Seven trials (2,186 participants) were included. The IG was superior in DSS at all measurement points (posttreatment: 6–12 weeks; Hedges’ g = 0.39 [95% CI: 0.25–0.53]; follow-up 1: 3–6 months; g = 0.30 [95% CI: 0.15–0.45] ; follow-up 2: 12 months, g = 0.27 [95% CI: 0.07–0.47], compared with the CG. Significantly more participants in the IG than in the CG reached response and close to symptom-free status at all measurement points. A significant difference in symptom deterioration between the groups was found at the posttreatment assessment and follow-up 2. Incidence rates for MDD onset within 12 months were lower in the IG (19%) than in the CG (26%). Higher initial DSS and older age were identified as moderators of intervention effect on DSS. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Conclusions: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 Our findings provide evidence for Internet-based interventions to be a suitable low-threshold intervention to treat individuals with sD and to reduce the incidence of MDD. This might be particularly true for older people with a substantial symptom burden.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0033-3190
,
1423-0348
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1472321-9
SSG:
5,2
SSG:
15,3
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