RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A clinical audit of changes in suicide ideas with internet treatment for depression
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e001558
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001558
VO 2
IS 5
A1 Sarah Watts
A1 Jill M Newby
A1 Louise Mewton
A1 Gavin Andrews
YR 2012
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/2/5/e001558.abstract
AB Objectives To examine reductions in suicidal ideation among a sample of patients who were prescribed an internet cognitive behavior therapy (iCBT) course for depression. Design Effectiveness study within a quality assurance framework. Setting Primary care. Participants 299 patients who were prescribed an iCBT course for depression by primary care clinicians. Intervention Six lesson, fully automated cognitive behaviour therapy course delivered over the internet. Primary outcome: suicidal ideation as measured by question 9 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results Suicidal ideation was common (54%) among primary care patients prescribed iCBT treatment for depression but dropped to 30% post-treatment despite minimal clinician contact and the absence of an intervention focused on suicidal ideation. This reduction in suicidal ideation was evident regardless of sex and age. Conclusions The findings do not support the exclusion of patients with significant suicidal ideation.