Low-intensity internet-delivered treatment for generalized anxiety symptoms in routine care: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
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Journal ArticleDate:
2014Access:
openAccessCitation:
D. Richards, L. Timulak, G. Doherty, J. Sharry, O. McLoughlin, C. Rashleigh, A. Colla and C. Joyce, Low-intensity internet-delivered treatment for generalized anxiety symptoms in routine care: protocol for a randomized controlled trial., Trials, 15, 1, 2014, 145-Download Item:
Abstract:
Background:
Worldwide prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is considered high; in Europe lifetime
prevalence has been estimated at 4.3 to 5.9%. High levels of anxiety disorders have been reported in university
students, affecting 25 to 30% of the population. Young adults are some of the most vulnerable for the onset of
mental health disorders and any stressors may act as a catalyst for their onset. The absence of resources can often
mean that many do not seek treatment. Other factors that impede access to resources include such things as a lack
of trained professionals, personal stigma, and waiting lists. Anxiety disorders can be treated successfully; indeed
brief forms of cognitive-behavior therapy have been recommended. One potential avenue for research and
development is that of delivering low-intensity interventions online for students with GAD. Therefore, the current
study seeks to investigate the potential effectiveness for a low-intensity online CBT-based treatment for GAD in a
service-based setting; implemented as one step in a stepped-care model.
Methods/Design:
The research is a service-based effectiveness study utilizing a randomized waiting-list controlled
design. The active intervention consists of six weekly modules of online CBT. Participants are assigned a supporter
who provides weekly post-session feedback on progress and exercises. Participants will complete the GAD-7 as
the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes include pathological worry, depression and measures of
well-being. At three-months follow-up data will be collected using the GAD-7, BDI-II, PSWQ, ED-Q5 and WSAS.
Post-session data will be collected on significant in-session events in treatment (HAT). A satisfaction with treatment
measure will be administered post-treatment (SAT).
Discussion:
The study will be a contribution to the potential for a low
-intensity internet-delivered program implemented
in a service-based setting; implemented as one step in a stepped-care model. The study will be a contribution to the
already established work in online treatments for anxiety worldwide. The study will assess the utility of an innovative
digital health solution (SilverCloud) to deliver such interventions.
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/timulaklhttp://people.tcd.ie/gdoherty
http://people.tcd.ie/drichard
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PUBLISHEDType of material:
Journal ArticleCollections
Series/Report no:
Trials15
1
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Full text availableKeywords:
Generalized anxiety disorder, Online interventions, Treatment, Students, Randomized trial, CBTSubject (TCD):
Digital EngagementDOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-15-145Metadata
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