Long-term outcome of Internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy for social phobia: a 30-month follow-up

Behav Res Ther. 2009 Oct;47(10):848-50. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2009.06.012. Epub 2009 Jun 27.

Abstract

Internet-delivered guided cognitive behaviour therapy for social anxiety disorder has been found to generate promising short-term results, up to one year posttreatment. No study has however documented longer follow-up periods. In this 30-month follow-up we contacted 57 participants from the original study of which 77.2% (44/57) responded to the Internet-administered outcome measures and 66.7% (38/57) completed a telephone interview. Results showed large pretreatment to follow-up within-group effect sizes for the primary outcome measures (Cohen's d 1.10-1.71), and a majority (68.4%; 26/38) reported improvements in the interview. The findings suggest that the long-term effects seen in previous live treatment CBT trials can occur in Internet-delivered treatment as well.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Phobic Disorders / psychology
  • Phobic Disorders / therapy*
  • Remote Consultation*
  • Self Report
  • Treatment Outcome