The purpose of this study was to determine whether a 10-week internet-based program based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in the treatment of alcohol problems, and if having therapist guidance leads to greater effects.
Objectives: An 10 week Internet-based self-help program based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was tested among Internet help seekers.The design was a three-armed randomized controlled design, and outcomes were measured in terms of changes in problematic alcohol use, as well as depression, anxiety and quality of life. 80 participants were recruited entirely online from an open access website and randomized into three different groups. All participants had access to the same self-help program. However, one group was given a choice between two forms of therapist guidance (messages or weekly chat sessions), one group received therapist guidance in the form of secure messages, and one group received no therapist guidance.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
80
A self help program consisting of 8 modules and access to therapist guidance either through messages or through chat sessions
A self help program consisting of 8 modules and access to therapist guidance through messages
A self help program consisting of 8 modules
Karolinska institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research
Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden
Time Line Follow Back (TLFB)
Change in total TLFB score (consumption during preceding week), as a summarized measure of alcohol consumption
Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
Change in total AUDIT score, as a summarized measure of alcohol use (including alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems)
Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks
Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Change in total HADS score, as a summarized measure of depression and anxiety, respectively
Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks
EQ5
Change in total EQ5 score, as a summarized measure of quality of life
Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks
WHOQOL-BREF
Change in total WHOQOL-BREF score, as a summarized measure of quality of life
Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks
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