Mechler J, Lindqvist K, Carlbring P, Topooco N, Falkenström F, Lilliengren P, Andersson G, Johansson R, Midgley N, Edbrooke-Childs J, Dahl H-S J, Sandell R, Thorén A, Ulberg R, Bergsten KL, & Philips B. (2022). Therapist-guided internet-based psychodynamic therapy versus cognitive behavioural therapy for adolescent depression in Sweden: a randomised, clinical, non-inferiority trial. The Lancet (British Edition), 4(8), e594–e603. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(22)00095-4
This study compared internet-based psychodynamic therapy (IPDT) with an established evidence-based treatment (internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT)) for adolescents with depression. Participants aged 15-19 years with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (N=272) were recruited in Sweden and randomly assigned to receive IPDT or ICBT. Both online interventions consisted of 8 self-help modules delivered over 10 weeks. Modules contained text, videos, and interactive exercises. All participants were also offered 30 minutes of weekly therapist support via live chat. The primary outcome was change in depression severity measured weekly by a brief self-report measure (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology ()). Participants in both groups showed similar engagement levels and high completion rates (defined as completing at least five modules and chat sessions and post-treatment assessment). Depressive symptoms in both groups significantly improved during treatment. At the end of treatment, demonstrated that IPDT was non-inferior to ICBT in the treatment of depression for adolescents. Results contribute to the evidence base for feasibility of online delivery of both IPDT and ICBT for the treatment of depression among a late-adolescent population.