Twomey, C., O’Reilly, G., Byrne, M., Bury, M., White, A., Kissane, S., McMahon, A., & Clancy, N. (2014). A randomized controlled trial of the computerized CBT programme, MoodGYM, for public mental health service users waiting for interventions. British Journal of Clinical Psychology. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1111/bjc.12055. PMID: 24831119.
In this randomized controlled trial, the authors examined the efficacy of the computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program MoodGYM. MoodGYM is a five session, web-based CBT program targeted to patients with anxiety, depression, or general psychiatric distress. Patients waiting for openings for mental health interventions were randomly assigned to have access to MoodGYM, or to a waitlist condition. Depression, anxiety, stress, psychological distress, and daily functioning were measured using online assessments at baseline, and 32-day and 12-week follow-ups. At the 32-day follow-up, 56% of participants assigned to MoodGYM dropped out of the program. Only 27% of participants completed all 5 sessions. Participants assigned to the MoodGYM condition had greater reductions in general psychological distress and stress than participants assigned to the waitlist condition. The groups had comparable reductions in depression, anxiety, and daily functioning. Because of the high dropout rates, the authors were unable to examine the effects of MoodGYM after 12 weeks. These results along with the high dropout rates provide limited support for MoodGYM as a standalone intervention for depression and anxiety.