Written and computer-based self-help treatments for depression

Abstract

Patients and health purchasers are demanding the provision of effective and accessible mental health treatments. Psychotherapeutic approaches are popular with patients, but access to specialist psychotherapy services is often limited. Other ways of offering treatment within the time and resources available to most practitioners need to be considered. One possible solution is the use of structured self-help materials that address common mental disorders such as depression. Self-help treatments are available in a variety of formats such as books, CD-ROMS, audio and videotapes. Evidence exists for their effectiveness; however, a relatively neglected area has been a discussion of the educational aspects of such materials. Self-help materials aim to improve patient knowledge and skills in self-management. They require very clear educational goals and a content and structure that is appropriate for those who use them. Such work will enhance the credibility, take-up, and effectiveness of self-help materials within clinical settings.

A systematic review of techniques and effects of self-help interventions for tinnitus: Application of taxonomies from health psychology

“…Individuals can work through self-help materials at their own pace and in a comfortable and private environment (i.e. their own home; Williams & Whitfield, 2001;Griffiths et al, 2006). Users can easily revisit self-help materials to reinforce or consolidate learning or deal with relapse (Williams & Whitfield, 2001).…”

“…their own home; Williams & Whitfield, 2001;Griffiths et al, 2006). Users can easily revisit self-help materials to reinforce or consolidate learning or deal with relapse (Williams & Whitfield, 2001). Self-help also offers an alternative for those unwilling to access traditional psychotherapeutic interventions due to an anticipated stigma associated with doing so, and improves access for those with hearing loss or unable to travel to clinical consultations (Williams & Whitfield, 2001;Griffiths et al, 2006).…”

“…Users can easily revisit self-help materials to reinforce or consolidate learning or deal with relapse (Williams & Whitfield, 2001). Self-help also offers an alternative for those unwilling to access traditional psychotherapeutic interventions due to an anticipated stigma associated with doing so, and improves access for those with hearing loss or unable to travel to clinical consultations (Williams & Whitfield, 2001;Griffiths et al, 2006). In the context of selfmanagement, people with long-term conditions can be empowered by the autonomous nature of self-help that promotes self-efficacy and allows them to take responsibility for their own care (Williams & Whitfield, 2001;Bendelin et al, 2011).…”

“…Self-help also offers an alternative for those unwilling to access traditional psychotherapeutic interventions due to an anticipated stigma associated with doing so, and improves access for those with hearing loss or unable to travel to clinical consultations (Williams & Whitfield, 2001;Griffiths et al, 2006). In the context of selfmanagement, people with long-term conditions can be empowered by the autonomous nature of self-help that promotes self-efficacy and allows them to take responsibility for their own care (Williams & Whitfield, 2001;Bendelin et al, 2011). Specifically, digital interventions, using delivery mediums such as the internet or smart phone applications, have the potential for greater reach, interactivity, and tailoring to individual users' needs than printed material (Griffiths et al, 2006).…”

Integrating online communities and social networks with computerised treatment for insomnia: a qualitative study

“…While previous research has explored patient and professional attitudes to standard CCBT programmes for common mental health problems, [28][29][30] no published study has focused specifically on potential user attitudes towards integrating CCBT-I with online communities or social networks; attitudes are an important predictor of treatment intentions in this context. 31,32 The aim of this study was to investigate patient and professional perspectives, including attitudes, expectations, and beliefs towards any online healthcare programmes that they had used to inform development of a novel CCBT-I platform.…”