A US-based trial has shown that there is not always a need for extended therapy sessions (and that such sessions use up precious resources) to treat depression– sometimes shorter treatments (in this case self-guided with the use of an online tool) can produce measurable differences. A brief, self-guided digital program was tested by the University of Texas at Austin, resulting in a statistically significant reduction in the depressive symptoms of the respondents.
Respondents were able to use the appropriately created program at their own convenience, helping them to challenge negative thoughts, regulate emotions and re-connect with their daily lives. As a result, the study was conducted when traditional depression treatment is financially out-of-reach for many individuals (i.e. cost, provider availability and/or insurance coverage).
The new way of accessing treatment through technology as a complement to existing modes of therapy will allow individuals to circumvent the time-consuming wait for therapists and access evidence-based support as needed, with instant gratification. Researchers caution that even though there is a wealth of evidence to support the validity and reliability of digital depression treatment tools, they should not be used as replacement for regular treatment through professional resources. Rather, these new tools create a positive “front door” to innovative treatment.
Accessible, low-barrier interventions are being seen as a viable alternative to long trips to clinics when individuals with caregiving responsibilities, school work, or jobs are busy with other things and have no time or resources for traditional depression treatment methods. As per the authors of this study, this type of accessibility and the lack of barriers should be a requirement and standard practice along with standard treatments for depression, especially for those who may not otherwise receive any form of treatment.
The authors of this project emphasized the importance of constructing treatment instruments in “plain language” and giving users multiple examples from which to choose, thereby making the user feel as if they are part of the process as opposed to being talked down to.
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