Outcomes of Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and Marriage & Family Therapists

Course By: Ken Springer, PhD

Content By: Edmonds, M., Hadjistavropoulos, H. D., Schneider, L. H., Dear, B. F., & Titov, N. (2018). Who benefits most from therapist-assisted internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy in clinical practice? Predictors of symptom change and dropout. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 54, 24-32.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.01.003

Course Description: Studies have shown that internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression, but the factors that influence its effectiveness are not fully understood. The present study examined the predictors of dropout and symptom change in a community sample of adults receiving ICBT for anxiety and/or depression. The researchers found that dropout rates were higher among younger participants and among those with higher levels of initial distress. The researchers also found that self-reported symptom improvement was greater among individuals who were younger and exhibited more severe initial symptoms, as well as among those with characteristics such as being on disability, or not holding a university degree. The results have clinical implications for both referrals as well as treatments involving ICBT.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the rationale for the study and the longitudinal methods used to gather data
2. Describe the main findings of the study concerning predictors of dropout and symptom change
3. Integrate the strengths and limitations of the study, and summarize the clinical implications for ICBT referrals and treatment

Course Outline:

• Read and understand Who benefits most from therapist-assisted internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy in clinical practice? Predictors of symptom change and dropout
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Understand the need for research on predictors of ICBT effectiveness
• Understand the methods by which dropout, anxiety, depression, and other study variables were measured before, during, and after treatment
• Distinguish between the variables that did versus did not predict dropout and/or symptom change
• Integrate the study's key findings, strengths, limitations, and practical implications
• Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
• Revisit the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the predictors of dropout and symptom change among recipients of ICBT

Approvals: