Arandomized controlled trial of the computerized CBT programme, MoodGYM, for public mental health service users waiting for interventions

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of the computerized CBT (cCBT) programme, MoodGYM, for the reduction in symptoms of general psychological distress (the primary outcome), depression, anxiety, stress, and impaired daily functioning. DesignA randomized controlled trial, with a waiting list control condition, in a routine clinical setting. MethodsParticipants were 149 public mental health service users (aged 18-61 [M=35.3years; SD=10.3]) waiting for interventions. Self-report outcome measures were administered online at baseline and post-intervention (i.e., after 32days). ResultsAfter high dropout rates, a post-intervention completers analysis examined 28 MoodGYM participants and 38 waiting list control participants. MoodGYM was significantly more effective than the waiting list control for the reduction of symptoms of general psychological distress (F[1, 64]=4.45; p<.05) and stress (F[1, 64]=5.35; p<.05) but not depression, anxiety, or impaired daily functioning. ConclusionsDue to their high associated dropout rates, self-help cCBT programmes such as MoodGYM should not be provided as front-line treatments. However, as it is likely to be agreeable and beneficial to some service users, perhaps self-help cCBT should be provided as an additional treatment option.