Adelman, C.B., Panza, K.E., Bartley, C.A., Bontempo, A., & Bloch, M.H. (2014). A meta-analysis of computerized cognitive-behavioral therapy for the treatment of DSM-5 anxiety disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 75(7), e695-e704. doi: 10.4088/JCP.13r08894. PMID: PMC3817051.
Epidemiologic studies estimate that up to 20% of Americans have anxiety disorders annually. Many computerized cognitive-behavioral therapy (cCBT) programs have been developed to treat anxiety disorders. In this meta-analysis, the authors searched the Medline database for all randomized controlled trials of cCBT programs. The search located forty trials comparing cCBT to either a wait-list control or to in-person cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These trials examined the efficacy of cCBT for either adults or children with anxiety disorders. Results of the meta-analysis showed that cCBT was better than wait-list controls in decreasing anxiety symptoms. cCBT and in-person CBT were equally efficacious in reducing anxiety symptoms. The cCBT programs targeting specific anxiety disorders were more effective than broad-spectrum programs. Anxiety symptoms continued to decrease even 3 to 12 months after completion of cCBT programs. The risk of dropout was increased in cCBT programs with less clinician involvement. Results of this meta-analysis provide support for the effectiveness of cCBT in treating anxiety disorders for adults and children.