The Effectiveness of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

This review article is an overview of the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. ICBT’s effectiveness has been investigated in treating and managing conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and phobias. ICBT’s role in the treatment of medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus with comorbid psychiatric illnesses was also explored. Furthermore, this study elaborates on its cost-effectiveness and its impact in rural areas. We conducted a thorough literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar with no restrictions on the date. ICBT's role in treating and controlling psychiatric illnesses has been established in the literature. From the data compiled, we conclude that ICBT is useful in treating mental health and medical illnesses with psychiatric comorbidities. It has also been found to be cost-effective for patients and society. ICBT is a potential tool emerging with modern day technological advancements and is useful in rural and urban settings, across various languages and cultures, and on a global scale. Larger randomized control trials on its use in clinical practice and in reaching rural populations are bound to shed more light on the effectiveness of this tool along with spreading awareness among physician and patient communities.

Mobilization of Telepsychiatry in Response to COVID-19—Moving Toward 21st Century Access to Care

“…While exercise is both a preventive and therapeutic factor for many forms of mental illness, the ability to perform these routines has undoubtedly been interrupted, and it is important to discuss creative, housebound strategies such as use of mobile fitness applications and home workout equipment. For patients who cannot meet their therapist, online therapy options and automated mental health conversational agents, both of which have proven benefit (Kumar et al 2017;Vaidyam et al 2019), should be explored. Meditation and yoga applications may also provide much-needed relief in these stressful times.…”

<p>Comorbid Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in Women with Bipolar Disorder: Management Challenges</p>

“…89 A recent review explores Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) cost-effectiveness and its impact in rural areas. 90 The authors investigation reveals that ICBT is used to manage various psychiatric disorders as, among others, bipolar disorder. Its employ seems to be encouraged in order to avoid some disadvantages of traditional therapies, including cost inefficiency and a lack of follow-up.…”

Ethische Aspekte internet- und mobilgestützter Interventionen (IMIs) bei Suchtstörungen

“…Den mit der Implementierung von IMIs verbundenen Chancen stehen klinische und strukturelle Herausforderungen gegenüber. Diese bestehen in der mangelnden Evidenzbasis für bestimmte Störungsbilder [12] und Therapieformen [13], den in vielen Fällen fraglichen kognitiven und technischen Kompetenzen von NutzerInnen [2,14] sowie in datenschutzrechtlichen und berufsrechtlichen Bedenken [1]. Hinzu kommen ethische Heraus-forderungen, die hinsichtlich der Sicherung des Patientenwohls, des gerechten Zugangs zu Versorgungsleistungen, der Auswirkungen auf die therapeutische Beziehung und Autonomie von Patien-tInnen bestehen [15][16][17].…”