Using computerized CBT for claimants with Depression: review of recent article by Whitfield et al [2006]

A new CBT based approach to providing therapeutic help to people with depression and anxiety has been trialed in Glasgow. Six hourly sessions of an interactive computerized CBT programme was offered .It was found that for those who used it there was a significant reduction in depressive symptoms.

The significance of this for clinical and medico legal/therapeutic practice is that if there continue to be long waiting lists for therapy in some parts of the UK in the NHS and occasionally in the private sector then there are developments in providing either therapy itself or the information underpinning CBT therapy approaches.These are  becoming available via audio,dvd and/or computerized applications.

More information on this particular project can be obtained from the original article: Whitfield G, Hinshelwood R, Pashely A., Campsie L and Williams. C [ behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapty,2006,34,1-11  or from Hugh Koch [hugh @hughkochassociates.co.uk]]