Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

Online Therapy and Its Effectiveness in the Treatment Of Mental Disorders


Affiliations
1 Department of Applied Psychology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar Haryana, India
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


The genesis and availability of internet based health services has metamorphosed the healthcare sector. Not only physical healthcare facilities but also mental health care is now accessible through a stable internet connectivity. The services of internet based programs with assistance of certified therapists through virtual reality, electronic mail, video conferencing, chat technology or any of these combinations (as per the demand of the situation) have emerged as a viable option to traditional in-clinic therapy sessions. Online therapy also exists as an additive to traditional face-to-face therapy. Treatments of anxiety and panic disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through online internet based platforms have posted their efficiency to the world at large. The times of COVID-19 further provided new challenges where internet based online therapy witnessed its establishment as the new standardized practice. The treatment of mental disorders via online therapy has been systematically reviewed in this paper.

Keywords

online therapy, anxiety, panic disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), COVID-19.
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • Ainsworth, M. (2000). Metanoia: The ABC's of internet counseling. Retrieved from http://www.metanoia.org/imh

  • Al-Alawi, M., McCall, R. K., Sultan, A., al Balushi, N., Al-Mahrouqi, T., al Ghailani, A., al Sabti, H., Al-Maniri, A., Panchatcharam, S. M., & al Sinawi, H. (2021). Efficacy of a six-week-long therapist-guided online therapy versus self-help internet-based therapy for COVID-19 induced anxiety and depression: Open-label, pragmatic, randomized controlled trial. JMIR Mental Health, 8(2), e26683. https://doi.org/10 .2196/26683

  • American Psychological Association (2022). Anxiety. https://www.apa.org/topics/ anxiety

  • Anderson, R. E. E., Spence, S. H., Donovan, C. L., March, S., Prosser, S., & Kenardy, J. (2012). Working alliance in online cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorders in youth: Comparison with clinic delivery and its role in predicting outcome. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 14(3), e88. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.1848

  • Andrews, G., Basu, A., Cujipers, P., Craske, M.G., McEvoy, P., English, C.L., & Newby, J.M. (2018). Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable, and practical health care: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 70-78. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887 618517304474

  • APA Dictionary of Psychology (2022). American psychological association. https://dictionary.apa.org/panic-attack

  • Beattie, A., Shaw, A., Kaur, S., & Kessler, D. (2009). Primary-care patients' expectations and experiences of online cognitive behavioural therapy for depression: A qualitative study. Health Expectations, 12(1), 45-59. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1369-7625.2008.00531.x

  • Bouchard, S., Payeur, R., Rivard, V., Allard, M., Paquin, B., Renaud, P., & Goyer, L. (2000). Cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia in video conference: Preliminary results. CyberPsychology and Behavior, 3(6), 999-1007. https://doi.org/10.1089/109493100452264

  • Chang, C. C., & Lin, C. J. (2011). LIBSVM a library for support vector machines. ACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology, 2, 27. https://doi.org/10.114 5/1961189.1961199

  • Christensen, H., Batterham, P., & Calear, A. (2014). Online interventions for anxiety disorders. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 27(1), 7-13. https://doi.org/10. 1097/yco.0000000000000019

  • Christensen, H., Griffiths, K. M., Mackinnon, A. J., & Brittliffe, K. (2006). Online randomized controlled trial of brief and full cognitive behaviour therapy for depression. Psychological Medicine, 36(12), 1737-1746. https://doi.org/10 .1017/s0033291706008695

  • De Luca, R., Rifici, C., Pollicino, P., di Cara, M., Miceli, S., Sergi, G., Sorrenti, L., Romano, M., Naro, A., Billeri, L., Lauria, P., Caminiti, A., Bramanti, P., & Torrisi, M. (2021). 'Online therapy' to reduce caregiver's distress and to stimulate post-severe acquired brain injury motor and cognitive recovery: A Sicilian hospital experience in the COVID era. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 1357633X2199019. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633x21990195

  • Depression (major depressive disorder) Symptoms & causes (2018, February 3). Mayo clinic. Retrieved September 13, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/ depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007#:%7E:text=Depression %20is%20a%20mood%20disorder ,of%20emotional%20and%20physical%20pro blems.

  • DSM-5: Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (2022). Generic Tyzek.

  • Ebenfeld, L., Lehr, D., Ebert, D. D., Kleine Stegemann, S., Riper, H., Funk, B., Berking, M. (2021). Evaluating a hybrid web-based training program for panic disorder and agoraphobia: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(3), e20829. https://doi.org/10.2196/20829

  • Ehlers, A., Wild, J., Warnock-Parkes, E., Grey, N., Murray, H., Kerr, A., Rozental, A., Beierl, E. T., Tsiachristas, A., Perera-Salazar, R., Andersson, G., & Clark, D. M. (2020). A randomised controlled trial of therapist-assisted online psychological therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (STOP-PTSD): Trial protocol. Trials, 21(1), 365. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-4176-8

  • Klein, B., Austin, D., Pier, C., Kiropoulos, L., Shandley, K., Mitchell, J., Gilson, K., & Ciechomski, L. (2009). Internet‐based treatment for panic disorder: Does frequency of therapist contact make a difference? Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 38(2), 100- 113. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506070802561132

  • Klein, B., Meyer, D., Austin, D. W., & Kyrios, M. (2011). Anxiety online a virtual clinic: Preliminary outcomes following completion of five fully automated treatment programs for anxiety disorders and symptoms. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 13(4), e89. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.1918

  • Klein, B., Shandley, K., Austin, D., & Nordin, S. (2008). A pilot trial of 'panic online' as a self-guided treatment for panic disorder. E-Journal of Applied Psychology, 4(2), 25- 30. https://doi.org/10.7790/ejap.v4i2.136

  • Knaevelsrud, C., & Maercker, A. (2007). Internet-based treatment for PTSD reduces distress and facilitates the development of a strong therapeutic alliance: A randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Psychiatry, 7(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.11 86/1471-244x-7-13

  • Kroenke, K., & R. L. Spitzer, R., L. (2002). The PHQ-9: A new depression diagnostic and severity measure. Psychiatric Annals, 32(9), 1-7.

  • Lewis, C., Roberts, N. P., Bethell, A., Robertson, L., & Bisson, J. I. (2018). Internetbased cognitive and behavioural therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/1 4651858.cd011710.pub2

  • Linguistic Indicators of Severity & Progress in Online Text-based Therapy for Depression (2014). Proceedings of the workshop on computational linguistics and clinical psychology: From linguistic signal to clinical reality, 716. https://doi .org/10.3115/v1/w14-3202

  • Littleton, H., Grills, A. E., Kline, K. D., Schoemann, A. M., & Dodd, J. C. (2016). The From Survivor to Thriver program: RCT of an online therapist-facilitated program for rape-related PTSD. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 43, 41-51. https://doi.org/10.1 016/j.janxdis.2016.07.010

  • Mallen, M. J., Vogel, D. L., Rochlen, A. B., & Day, S. X. (2005). Online counseling. The Counseling Psychologist, 33(6), 819-871. https://doi.org/10.1177/001100000527 8624

  • Mallen, M. J., & Vogel, D. L. (2005). Introduction to the major contribution. The Counseling Psychologist, 33(6), 761-775. https://doi.org/10.1177/001100000527 8623

  • Monson, C. M., Fredman, S. J., Adair, K. C., Stevens, S. P., Resick, P. A., Schnurr, P. P., MacDonald, H. Z., & Macdonald, A. (2011). Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD: Pilot results from a community sample. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 24(1), 97-101. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.20604

  • Moritz, S., Schilling, L., Hauschildt, M., Schröder, J., & Treszl, A. (2012). A randomized controlled trial of internet-based therapy in depression. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 50(78), 513-521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2012.04.006

  • Parish, M. B., Apperson, M., & Yellowlees, P. M. (2014). Engaging U.S. veterans with PTSD in online therapy. Psychiatric Services, 65(5), 697. https://doi.org/10.1 176/appi.ps.650501

  • Pier, C., Austin, D. W., Klein, B., Mitchell, J., Schattner, P., Ciechomski, L., Gilson, K. J., Pierce, D., Shandley, K., & Wade, V. (2008). A controlled trial of internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for panic disorder with face-to-face support from a general practitioner or email support from a psychologist. Mental Health in Family Medicine, 5, 29-39.

  • Pompoli, A., Furukawa, T., Efthimiou, O., Imai, H., Tajika, A., & Salanti, G. (2018). Dismantling cognitive-behaviour therapy for panic disorder: A systematic review and component network meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 48(12), 1945-1953. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291717003919

  • Postel, M. G., de Haan, H. A., & De Jong, C. A. (2008). E-therapy for mental health problems: A systematic review. Telemedicine and e-Health, 14(7), 707-714.

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Symptoms & causes (2018, July 6). Mayo clinic. Retrieved September 13, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditio ns/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

  • Preschl, B., Maercker, A., & Wagner, B. (2011). The working alliance in a randomized controlled trial comparing online with face-to-face cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression. BMC Psychiatry, 11, 189. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-11-189

  • Ruwaard, J., Lange, A., Schrieken, B., Dolan, C. V., & Emmelkamp, P. (2012). The effectiveness of online cognitive behavioral treatment in routine clinical practice. PLoS ONE, 7(7), e40089. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0040089

  • Sethi, S., Campbell, A. J., & Ellis, L. A. (2010). The use of computerized self-help packages to treat adolescent depression and anxiety. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 28(3), 144-160. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228835.2010.508317

  • Spence, S. H., Donovan, C. L., March, S., Gamble, A., Anderson, R. E., Prosser, S., & Kenardy, J. (2011). A randomized controlled trial of online versus clinic-based CBT for adolescent anxiety. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79(5), 629- 642. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024512

  • Stasiak, K., Fleming, T., Lucassen, M. F., Shepherd, M. J., Whittaker, R., & Merry, S. N. (2016). Computer-based and online therapy for depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 26(3), 235- 245. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2015.0029

  • Stasiak, K., Merry, S. N., Frampton, C., & Moor, S. (2016). Delivering solid treatments on shaky ground: Feasibility study of an online therapy for child anxiety in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Psychotherapy Research, 28(4), 643-653. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2016.1244617

  • Stofle, G.S. (2001). Choosing an online therapist. Harrisburg, PA: White Hat Communications.

  • Suler, J. R. (2000). Psychotherapy in cyberspace: A 5-dimensional model of online and computer-mediated psychotherapy. CyberPsychology and Behavior, 3(2), 151-159. https://doi.org/10.1089/109493100315996

  • van der Vaart, R., Witting, M., Riper, H., Kooistra, L., Bohlmeijer, E. T., & van Gemert- Pijnen, L. J.E.W.C. (2014). Blending online therapy into regular face-to-face therapy for depression: content, ratio and preconditions according to patients and t h e r a p i s t s u s i n g a D e l p h i s t u d y. B M C P s y c h i a t r y 1 4 , 3 5 5 . Https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-014-0355-z

  • Wells, L. C. (2022). Experiences with online video conferencing therapy among former military service members with PTSD. Walden University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.


Abstract Views: 225

PDF Views: 0




  • Online Therapy and Its Effectiveness in the Treatment Of Mental Disorders

Abstract Views: 225  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

Sajal Dhillon
Department of Applied Psychology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar Haryana, India
Gobind Verma
Department of Applied Psychology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar Haryana, India

Abstract


The genesis and availability of internet based health services has metamorphosed the healthcare sector. Not only physical healthcare facilities but also mental health care is now accessible through a stable internet connectivity. The services of internet based programs with assistance of certified therapists through virtual reality, electronic mail, video conferencing, chat technology or any of these combinations (as per the demand of the situation) have emerged as a viable option to traditional in-clinic therapy sessions. Online therapy also exists as an additive to traditional face-to-face therapy. Treatments of anxiety and panic disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through online internet based platforms have posted their efficiency to the world at large. The times of COVID-19 further provided new challenges where internet based online therapy witnessed its establishment as the new standardized practice. The treatment of mental disorders via online therapy has been systematically reviewed in this paper.

Keywords


online therapy, anxiety, panic disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), COVID-19.

References