Internetbased cognitive behavioural therapy

Internet-based treatment is a form of digital cognitive psychological assistance accessible to individuals in the comfort of their homes. This approach involves written and potentially video-based communication with a psychologist throughout the process.

The programs are built on psychological principles and consist of digital modules that individuals can access at home. These modules include text, interactive exercises, audio, and video clips. They have been thoroughly researched, demonstrating effectiveness comparable to in-person treatment. Health professionals manage their treatment courses through a web-based employee solution.

Citizens gain easier and faster access to psychological treatment, a deeper understanding of their own condition, and support to improve their life situations. The treatment provides tools to manage challenging situations, and individuals can engage with the program's content at times that suit their daily routines. Additionally, individuals avoid the need for transportation to treatment sessions.

This form of treatment is not a quick fix but rather a new way to seek assistance. For individuals suffering from conditions such as anxiety, attending in-person clinic sessions can itself be a challenge. In such cases, this offer can be a significant aid.

Programs have been developed for various medical areas, including work-related stress, anxiety, functional disorders, and health anxiety. There are programs designed for both adults and children. The field is rapidly evolving, with more programs in development.

Common features of these programs include:

• Easier to combine with daily work, education, or school for citizens, as treatment does not require physical presence.
• Content can be reviewed multiple times at the individual's convenience.
• Improving family members knowledge about the illness, enabling them to support their relative.
• The content in these programs can contribute to spreading knowledge about medical areas among healthcare professionals and students.

Department for Functional Disorders at Aarhus University Hospital has transformed an evidence-based outpatient treatment for patients with health anxiety into an internet-based solution, encompassing both diagnostics and psychotherapy. Patients plagued by severe and persistent health concerns often undergo numerous and expensive examinations. Despite this, they are frequently undertreated due to a scarcity of specialized offerings. With this intervention, help is now available.

The treatment includes video-diagnostic assessment and a 12-week guided self-help program called ActOnline. This program is grounded in psychological principles, featuring video clips, audio clips, exercises, textual information, and written therapist communication through a built-in messaging module. The treatment demonstrates effects comparable to in-person therapy, even at the 6-month follow-up.

Hoffmann et al. 2020. Efficacy of internet-delivered ACT for HA. Psychological Medicine.