A systematic review and meta-analysis of e-Mental health interventions to treat symptoms of posttraumatic stress

JMIR Mental Health

Volumn 4, Issue 2, 2017, Pages

  Simblett, Sara ^a   Birch, Jennifer ^b   Matcham, Faith ^a   Yaguez, Lidia ^c   Morris, Robin ^c  

^a KING'S COLLEGE LONDON   (United Kingdom)

^b SPRINGFIELD UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL   (United Kingdom)

^c KING S COLLEGE HOSPITAL   (United Kingdom)

Author keywords

e Mental Health; Meta analysis; Psychological treatment; PTSD; Systematic review

Indexed keywords

EID: 85047556204     PISSN: None     EISSN: 23687959     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.2196/mental.5558     Document Type: Review

References (68)

1. Brady KT, Killeen TK, Brewerton T, Lucerini S. Comorbidity of psychiatric disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. J Clin Psychiatry 2000;61 Suppl 7:22-32. [Medline: 10795606]
2. Campbell DG, Felker BL, Liu C, Yano EM, Kirchner JE, Chan D, et al. Prevalence of depression-PTSD comorbidity: implications for clinical practice guidelines and primary care-based interventions. J Gen Intern Med 2007 Jun;22(6):711-718 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1007/s11606-006-0101-4] [Medline: 17503104]
3. Flory JD, Yehuda R. Comorbidity between post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder: alternative explanations and treatment considerations. Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2015 Jun;17(2):141-150 [FREE Full text] [Medline: 26246789]
4. American Psychological Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM-5). Arlington, VA: APA Publishing; 2013.
5. Kessler RC, Sonnega A, Bromet E, Hughes M, Nelson CB. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1995 Dec;52(12):1048-1060. [Medline: 7492257]
6. Ozer EJ, Best SR, Lipsey TL, Weiss DS. Predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder and symptoms in adults: a meta-analysis. Psychol Bull 2003 Jan;129(1):52-73. [Medline: 12555794]
7. Bisson JI, Roberts NP, Andrew M, Cooper R, Lewis C. Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013 Dec 13(12):CD003388. [doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub4] [Medline: 24338345]
8. Ehlers A, Clark DM, Hackmann A, McManus F, Fennell M. Cognitive therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: development and evaluation. Behav Res Ther 2005 Apr;43(4):413-431. [doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2004.03.006] [Medline: 15701354]
9. Shapiro F. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): evaluation of controlled PTSD research. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 1996 Sep;27(3):209-218. [Medline: 8959422]
10. Shapiro F. EMDR 12 years after its introduction: past and future research. J Clin Psychol 2002 Jan;58(1):1-22. [Medline: 11748594]
11. Schottenbauer MA, Glass CR, Arnkoff DB, Gray SH. Contributions of psychodynamic approaches to treatment of PTSD and trauma: a review of the empirical treatment and psychopathology literature. Psychiatry 2008;71(1):13-34. [doi: 10.1521/psyc.2008.71.1.13] [Medline: 18377203]
12. Richards D, Richardson T. Computer-based psychological treatments for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2012 Jun;32(4):329-342. [doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2012.02.004] [Medline: 22466510]
13. Reger MA, Gahm GA. A meta-analysis of the effects of internet- and computer-based cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. J Clin Psychol 2009 Jan;65(1):53-75. [doi: 10.1002/jclp.20536] [Medline: 19051274]
14. Andrews G, Davies M, Titov N. Effectiveness randomized controlled trial of face to face versus Internet cognitive behaviour therapy for social phobia. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2011 Apr;45(4):337-340. [doi: 10.3109/00048674.2010.538840] [Medline: 21323490]
15. Kay-Lambkin FJ, Baker AL, Kelly B, Lewin TJ. Clinician-assisted computerised versus therapist-delivered treatment for depressive and addictive disorders: a randomised controlled trial. Med J Aust 2011 Aug 1;195(3):S44-S50. [Medline: 21806518]
16. Barak A, Hen L, Boniel-Nissim M, Shapira N. A Comprehensive Review and a Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Internet-Based Psychotherapeutic Interventions. Journal of Technology in Human Services 2008 Jul 03;26(2-4):109-160. [doi: 10.1080/15228830802094429]
17. Cuijpers P, Marks IM, van SA, Cavanagh K, Gega L, Andersson G. Computer-aided psychotherapy for anxiety disorders: a meta-analytic review. Cogn Behav Ther 2009;38(2):66-82. [doi: 10.1080/16506070802694776] [Medline: 20183688]
18. Mayo-Wilson E, Montgomery P. Media-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy and behavioural therapy (self-help) for anxiety disorders in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;9:CD005330. [doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005330.pub4] [Medline: 24018460]
19. Newman MG, Szkodny LE, Llera SJ, Przeworski A. A review of technology-assisted self-help and minimal contact therapies for anxiety and depression: is human contact necessary for therapeutic efficacy? Clin Psychol Rev 2011 Feb;31(1):89-103. [doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2010.09.008] [Medline: 21130939]
20. Olthuis JV, Watt MC, Bailey K, Hayden JA, Stewart SH. Therapist-supported Internet cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015 Mar 05(3):CD011565. [doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011565] [Medline: 25742186]
21. Kuester A, Niemeyer H, Knaevelsrud C. Internet-based interventions for posttraumatic stress: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Psychol Rev 2016 Feb;43:1-16. [doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.11.004] [Medline: 26655959]
22. Bolton AJ, Dorstyn DS. Telepsychology for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A systematic review. J Telemed Telecare 2015 Jul;21(5):254-267. [doi: 10.1177/1357633X15571996] [Medline: 25712113]
23. McAlpine H, Joubert L, Martin-Sanchez F, Merolli M, Drummond KJ. A systematic review of types and efficacy of online interventions for cancer patients. Patient Educ Couns 2015 Mar;98(3):283-295. [doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2014.11.002] [Medline: 25535016]
24. National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools, Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. 2008. URL:http:/ /www.nccmt.ca/resources/search/14 [accessed 2017-04-01] [WebCite Cache ID 6pPWoEsv7]
25. Higgins JPT, Green S. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, Version 5.1.0 [updated March 2011]. http://handbook.cochrane.org: The Cochrane Collaboration; 2011.
26. Beatty L, Koczwara B, Wade T. Evaluating the efficacy of a self-guided Web-based CBT intervention for reducing cancer-distress: a randomised controlled trial. Support Care Cancer 2016 Mar;24(3):1043-1051. [doi: 10.1007/s00520-015-2867-6] [Medline: 26248651]
27. Beyer J. The effects of web-based interactive emotional disclosure on stress and health: A randomized, controlled study. Wayne State University Dissertations 2010;Paper 5 [FREE Full text]
28. Bomyea J, Stein MB, Lang AJ. Interference control training for PTSD: A randomized controlled trial of a novel computer-based intervention. J Anxiety Disord 2015 Aug;34:33-42 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2015.05.010] [Medline: 26114901]
29. Brief DJ, Rubin A, Keane TM, Enggasser JL, Roy M, Helmuth E, et al. Web intervention for OEF/OIF veterans with problem drinking and PTSD symptoms: a randomized clinical trial. J Consult Clin Psychol 2013 Oct;81(5):890-900. [doi: 10.1037/a0033697] [Medline: 23875821]
30. Carpenter KM, Stoner SA, Schmitz K, McGregor BA, Doorenbos AZ. An online stress management workbook for breast cancer. J Behav Med 2014 Jun;37(3):458-468 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1007/s10865-012-9481-6] [Medline: 23212928]
31. Cernvall M, Carlbring P, Ljungman L, Ljungman G, von Essen L. Internet-based guided self-help for parents of children on cancer treatment: a randomized controlled trial. Psychooncology 2015 Sep;24(9):1152-1158 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1002/pon.3788] [Medline: 25728688]
32. Cieslak R, Benight CC, Rogala A, Smoktunowicz E, Kowalska M, Zukowska K, et al. Effects of Internet-Based Self-Efficacy Intervention on Secondary Traumatic Stress and Secondary Posttraumatic Growth among Health and Human Services Professionals Exposed to Indirect Trauma. Front Psychol 2016;7:1009 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01009] [Medline: 27458407]
33. Cox CM, Kenardy JA, Hendrikz JK. A randomized controlled trial of a web-based early intervention for children and their parents following unintentional injury. J Pediatr Psychol 2010 Jul;35(6):581-592. [doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsp095] [Medline: 19906829]
34. Eisma MC, Boelen PA, van den Bout J, Stroebe W, Schut HAW, Lancee J, et al. Internet-Based Exposure and Behavioral Activation for Complicated Grief and Rumination: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Behav Ther 2015 Nov;46(6):729-748. [doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2015.05.007] [Medline: 26520217]
35. Engel CC, Litz B, Magruder KM, Harper E, Gore K, Stein N, et al. Delivery of self training and education for stressful situations (DESTRESS-PC): a randomized trial of nurse assisted online self-management for PTSD in primary care. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2015;37(4):323-328 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2015.04.007] [Medline: 25929985]
36. Hirai M, Clum GA. An Internet-based self-change program for traumatic event related fear, distress, and maladaptive coping. J Trauma Stress 2005 Dec;18(6):631-636. [doi: 10.1002/jts.20071] [Medline: 16382433]
37. Hirai M, Skidmore ST, Clum GA, Dolma S. An investigation of the efficacy of online expressive writing for trauma-related psychological distress in Hispanic individuals. Behav Ther 2012 Dec;43(4):812-824. [doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2012.04.006] [Medline: 23046783]
38. Hobfoll SE, Blais RK, Stevens NR, Walt L, Gengler R. Vets prevail online intervention reduces PTSD and depression in veterans with mild-to-moderate symptoms. J Consult Clin Psychol 2016 Jan;84(1):31-42. [doi: 10.1037/ccp0000041] [Medline: 26322788]
39. Ivarsson D, Blom M, Hesser H, Carlbring P, Enderby P, Nordberg R, et al. Guided internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Internet Interventions 2014 Mar;1(1):33-40. [doi: 10.1016/j.invent.2014.03.002]
40. Kersting A, Kroker K, Schlicht S, Baust K, Wagner B. Efficacy of cognitive behavioral internet-based therapy in parents after the loss of a child during pregnancy: pilot data from a randomized controlled trial. Arch Womens Ment Health 2011 Dec;14(6):465-477. [doi: 10.1007/s00737-011-0240-4] [Medline: 22006106]
41. Kersting A, Dölemeyer R, Steinig J, Walter F, Kroker K, Baust K, et al. Brief Internet-based intervention reduces posttraumatic stress and prolonged grief in parents after the loss of a child during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Psychother Psychosom 2013;82(6):372-381. [doi: 10.1159/000348713] [Medline: 24061387]
42. Knaevelsrud C, Maercker A. Internet-based treatment for PTSD reduces distress and facilitates the development of a strong therapeutic alliance: a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Psychiatry 2007 Apr 19;7:13 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-7-13] [Medline: 17442125]
43. Knaevelsrud C, Brand J, Lange A, Ruwaard J, Wagner B. Web-based psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in war-traumatized Arab patients: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res 2015 Mar 20;17(3):e71 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.2196/jmir.3582] [Medline: 25799024]
44. Krupnick J, Green BL, Amdur R, Alaoui A, Belouali A, Roberge E, et al. An Internet-based writing intervention for PTSD in veterans: A feasibility and pilot effectiveness trial. Psychol Trauma 2016 Sep 08. [doi: 10.1037/tra0000176] [Medline: 27607767]
45. Lange A, van de Ven JP, Schrieken B, Emmelkamp PM. Interapy, treatment of posttraumatic stress through the Internet: a controlled trial. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2001 Jun;32(2):73-90. [Medline: 11764063]
46. Lange A, Rietdijk D, Hudcovicova M, van de Ven JP, Schrieken B, Emmelkamp PMG. Interapy: a controlled randomized trial of the standardized treatment of posttraumatic stress through the internet. J Consult Clin Psychol 2003 Oct;71(5):901-909. [doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.71.5.901] [Medline: 14516238]
47. Litz BT, Engel CC, Bryant RA, Papa A. A randomized, controlled proof-of-concept trial of an Internet-based, therapist-assisted self-management treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. Am J Psychiatry 2007 Nov;164(11):1676-1683. [doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2007.06122057] [Medline: 17974932]
48. Litz BT, Schorr Y, Delaney E, Au T, Papa A, Fox AB, et al. A randomized controlled trial of an internet-based therapist-assisted indicated preventive intervention for prolonged grief disorder. Behav Res Ther 2014 Oct;61:23-34 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2014.07.005] [Medline: 25113524]
49. Marsac ML, Hildenbrand AK, Kohser KL, Winston FK, Li Y, Kassam-Adams N. Preventing posttraumatic stress following pediatric injury: a randomized controlled trial of a web-based psycho-educational intervention for parents. J Pediatr Psychol 2013 Nov;38(10):1101-1111 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jst053] [Medline: 23912164]
50. Miner A, Kuhn E, Hoffman JE, Owen JE, Ruzek JI, Taylor CB. Feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of the PTSD Coach app: A pilot randomized controlled trial with community trauma survivors. Psychol Trauma 2016 May;8(3):384-392. [doi: 10.1037/tra0000092] [Medline: 27046668]
51. Mouthaan J, Sijbrandij M, de VG, Reitsma JB, van de Schoot R, Goslings JC, et al. Internet-based early intervention to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder in injury patients: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res 2013 Aug 13;15(8):e165 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.2196/jmir.2460] [Medline: 23942480]
52. Nieminen K, Berg I, Frankenstein K, Viita L, Larsson K, Persson U, et al. Internet-provided cognitive behaviour therapy of posttraumatic stress symptoms following childbirth-a randomized controlled trial. Cogn Behav Ther 2016 Dec;45(4):287-306. [doi: 10.1080/16506073.2016.1169626] [Medline: 27152849]
53. Owen JE, Klapow JC, Roth DL, Shuster JL, Bellis J, Meredith R, et al. Randomized pilot of a self-guided internet coping group for women with early-stage breast cancer. Ann Behav Med 2005 Aug;30(1):54-64. [doi: 10.1207/s15324796abm3001_7] [Medline: 16097906]
54. Possemato K, Ouimette P, Knowlton P. A brief self-guided telehealth intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder in combat veterans: a pilot study. J Telemed Telecare 2011;17(5):245-250. [doi: 10.1258/jtt.2011.100909] [Medline: 21636687]
55. Possemato K, Ouimette P, Geller PA. Internet-based expressive writing for kidney transplant recipients: Effects on posttraumatic stress and quality of life. Traumatology 2010;16(1):49-54. [doi: 10.1177/1534765609347545]
56. Sayer NA, Noorbaloochi S, Frazier PA, Pennebaker JW, Orazem RJ, Schnurr PP, et al. Randomized Controlled Trial of Online Expressive Writing to Address Readjustment Difficulties Among U.S. Afghanistan and Iraq War Veterans. J Trauma Stress 2015 Oct;28(5):381-390. [doi: 10.1002/jts.22047] [Medline: 26467326]
57. Schoorl M, Putman P, Van Der Does W. Attentional bias modification in posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Psychother Psychosom 2013;82(2):99-105. [doi: 10.1159/000341920] [Medline: 23295710]
58. Spence J, Titov N, Dear BF, Johnston L, Solley K, Lorian C, et al. Randomized controlled trial of Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Depress Anxiety 2011 Jul;28(7):541-550. [doi: 10.1002/da.20835] [Medline: 21721073]
59. Spence J, Titov N, Johnston L, Jones MP, Dear BF, Solley K. Internet-based trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy for PTSD with and without exposure components: a randomised controlled trial. J Affect Disord 2014 Jun;162:73-80. [doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.03.009] [Medline: 24767009]
60. Steinmetz SE, Benight CC, Bishop SL, James LE. My Disaster Recovery: a pilot randomized controlled trial of an Internet intervention. Anxiety Stress Coping 2012;25(5):593-600 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1080/10615806.2011.604869] [Medline: 21834731]
61. Wagner B, Knaevelsrud C, Maercker A. Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for complicated grief: a randomized controlled trial. Death Stud 2006 Jun;30(5):429-453. [doi: 10.1080/07481180600614385] [Medline: 16610157]
62. Wang Z, Wang J, Maercker A. Chinese My Trauma Recovery, a Web-based intervention for traumatized persons in two parallel samples: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res 2013 Sep 30;15(9):e213 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.2196/jmir.2690] [Medline: 24080137]
63. Winzelberg AJ, Classen C, Alpers GW, Roberts H, Koopman C, Adams RE, et al. Evaluation of an internet support group for women with primary breast cancer. Cancer 2003 Mar 01;97(5):1164-1173 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1002/cncr.11174] [Medline: 12599221]
64. Zernicke KA, Campbell TS, Speca M, McCabe-Ruff K, Flowers S, Carlson LE. A randomized wait-list controlled trial of feasibility and efficacy of an online mindfulness-based cancer recovery program: the eTherapy for cancer applying mindfulness trial. Psychosom Med 2014 May;76(4):257-267. [doi: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000053] [Medline: 24804884]
65. Khoury B, Lecomte T, Fortin G, Masse M, Therien P, Bouchard V, et al. Mindfulness-based therapy: a comprehensive meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2013 Aug;33(6):763-771. [doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2013.05.005] [Medline: 23796855]
66. Harman R, Lee D. The role of shame and self-critical thinking in the development and maintenance of current threat in post-traumatic stress disorder. Clin Psychol Psychother 2010;17(1):13-24. [doi: 10.1002/cpp.636] [Medline: 19728293]
67. Lee DA, Scragg P, Turner S. The role of shame and guilt in traumatic events: a clinical model of shame-based and guilt-based PTSD. Br J Med Psychol 2001 Dec;74(Pt 4):451-466. [Medline: 11780793]
68. Wilson JP, Drozdek B, Turkovic S. Posttraumatic shame and guilt. Trauma Violence Abuse 2006 Apr;7(2):122-141. [doi: 10.1177/1524838005285914] [Medline: 16534148]