Background:
Evidence from randomized controlled trials shows that Internet-based emental health self-help programs can improve mental health outcomes. However, these interventions are typically not tailored to a user's particular risk factors or specific symptoms and are often associated with high attrition rates.
Methods:
This poster describes e-couch, a second-generation tailored cognitive behaviour therapy and information programme. e-couch provides information and automated self-help tools for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, self-help for mental health problems associated with bereavement and divorce and separation, and a stigma-busting section. Other modules, including panic disorder, postnatal depression and physical illness, are in preparation. Tools include interpersonal therapy, cognitive therapy, exposure, social skills training, problem solving, applied relaxation, online exercise management, sleep hygiene and others. The system has been engineered to run automated online randomized controlled trials and to facilitate the addition of new streams tailored to particular at-risk groups and conditions.
Results:
e-couch will be available for use by the public from January 2007. Initial research studies will investigate the effect of tailoring and automated monitoring on efficacy and retention. Outcome measure will include symptom levels, stigma, program adherence, knowledge and help seeking.
Conclusions:
Key members of the team who developed e-couch will be available to answer questions and demonstrate the system.
Acknowledgement:
e-couch (v1.0) was funded by beyondblue: the national depression initiative and the Centre for Mental Health Research, the Australian National University.
