Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Common Mental Health Disorders, What Works, for Whom Under What Circumstances? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract This systematic review and meta-analysis
evaluates the effectiveness of computerised cognitive
behavioural therapy (CCBT) as a low intensity intervention
for common mental health disorders (CMHD), and investigates
some potential moderators of these effects. A metaanalysis
was conducted on 49 randomised controlled trials
comparing CCBT to other therapies (n = 24) and waiting
list controls (n = 25), across the range of CMHD. Results
indicated an overall mean effect size of g = 0.77 (95 % CI
0.59–0.95) in favour of the CCBT trial arms. CCBT was
found to be significantly more effective than both waitlist
and active control conditions. The mean age of study
sample and type of control group both significantly moderated
this effect. No further measured variables, including
guidance were found to moderate this effect. These findings
indicate that CCBT can be an effective low-intensity
intervention for CMHD and support the implementation of
CCBT within the stepped-care context. Limitations of this
review, and implications for theory, research and practice
are discussed.