Computerised CBT

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CCBT) delivers cognitive behavioral techniques to a computer-user to increase successful coping strategies and improve mental wellbeing. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2006) describes CCBT as a “generic term for delivering CBT via an interactive computer interface delivered by a personal computer, internet or interactive voice response system”.

Official data from the World Health Organisation shows us that annually in the UK 7.7% of the population suffer from depression and 10% from anxiety. In the United States 9.5% of the population annually suffer from depression with 18.1% of the population suffering from anxiety. However, both depression and anxiety can be successfully treated in many cases, and with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy proving to be as effective as medication (Watkins & Williams, 1998) and a popular choice for sufferers any provision of CBT on a wider basis is desirable. Hence, computerised CBT programmes such as ‘Blues Begone’ may offer a unique opportunity to dramatically improve the lives of millions of people.

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