Välimäki M, Anttila K, Anttila M, Lahti M. (2017). Web-based interventions supporting adolescents and young people with depressive symptoms: Systematic review and meta-analysis. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. 5(12): e180. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.8624
Researchers conducted a literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled web-based intervention studies targeting symptoms of depression or anxiety in young people aged 10-24 years to examine the impact of such programs on depression, stress, mood, attrition, and costs. 27 papers detailing 22 studies were included in the literature review and 16 papers detailing 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Most interventions were based on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy. Interventions included up to 14 modules, lasted 3-10 weeks, and required a commitment of 20 minutes to 3 hours a week. Meta-analysis of studies reporting short-, mid-, and long-term intervention effects on depressive symptoms indicated significant short-term (post-intervention) and long-term (6 months or more) improvements in depressive symptoms for the intervention groups, but no significant mid-term (3-5 months) improvements. Meta-analysis of studies examining mood (n=2) and anxiety symptoms (n=8) indicated significant short-term improvements. No studies examined long-term interventions effects on anxiety symptoms. Meta-analysis of 3 studies showed no significant short-term improvement in stress. No studies examined mid- or long-term intervention effects on stress or mood. Among 11 studies examining short-term and 3 studies examining mid-term attrition, intervention participants dropped out earlier than control participants.