BACKGROUND
Computerized cognitive behavioral therapies (cCBT) have been developed to deliver efficient, evidence-informed treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. One of the most empirically supported cCBTs for depression is Beating the Blues (BtB). The previous trial of BtB with Veterans included regular guidance by healthcare personnel, which increases the complexity and cost of the intervention.
OBJECTIVE
Researchers at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) aimed to test the acceptability and feasibility of an unguided cCBT for depression among United States (US) military Veterans.
METHODS
Among US military Veterans experiencing current mild to moderate depressive symptoms, a before-after trial was implemented to examine the acceptability of BtB delivered without additional peer or other mental health care provider support. Feasibility of the study design for use in a future efficacy trial was also evaluated.
RESULTS
Forty-nine Veterans completed pre-intervention assessments and received access to BtB. Twenty-nine participants completed all post-intervention assessments. The predetermined acceptability criterion for the intervention was met. While pre-determined feasibility criteria regarding the screening eligibility rate, the number of BtB modules completed, and the completion of a post-treatment assessment were not met, results were comparable with other cCBT studies.
CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first among US military Veterans to demonstrate support for implementation of a cCBT for depression without the assistance of a mental health professional or a peer support specialist. This suggests that a stand-alone computer-aided intervention may be viable. Ideas for improving feasibility in future trials based on this study are discussed.