Depression is a serious disorder with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 17 percent, ranking third as cause of burden of disease globally. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) has been demonstrated to be effective, with treatment effect comparable to traditional face-to-face CBT. However, it is a low intensity treatment format, presupposing a high degree of autonomy from the patients. Combining iCBT with traditional consultations in a blended CBT format (B-CBT), may increase treatment adherence and -effect.
The aim is to investigate whether delivery of CBT in two novel formats using an internet based treatment platform in two different treatment intensities (iCBT and B-CBT) are clinical- and cost-effective.
The method is using the treatment platform for depression developed by Internetpsykiatrien, Telepsykiatrisk Center, Odense, a higher intensity treatment will be set up blending the 6-8 online modules with 6 face-to-face consultations (B-CBT). This will be tested in a randomised non inferiority trial comparing the B-CBT treatment with treatment as usual defined as 12 sessions of face-to-face CBT. The trial is affiliated to the EU project E-compared.