Therapist-supported internet cognitive—behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in adults

Abstract

Background Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders. Many people have difficulty accessing CBT, so researchers have explored the possibility of using the internet to deliver it as ICBT. It is important to ensure that the decision to promote ICBT is grounded in high-quality evidence. Objectives To assess the effects of therapist-supported ICBT on remission of anxiety disorder diagnosis and reduction of anxiety symptoms in adults as compared with waiting-list control, unguided CBT or face-to-face CBT. Effects of treatment on quality of life and patient satisfaction with the intervention were also assessed. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group Specialized Register (CCDANCTR) to 12 April 2013. The CCDANCTR includes relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from EMBASE (1974), MEDLINE (1950) and PsycINFO (1967). We also searched online clinical trial registries and reference lists of included studies. We contacte d authors to locate further trials. An update of an initial search (April 2013), conducted in September 2014, identified seven new completed studies, seven previously ongoing studies now completed, and four new ongoing studies. This is a fast-moving area; we plan to update this review shortly, incorporating these new studies.