Internet-based cognitive therapy for depression : treatment efficacy and dropout

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, dropout rates, and non-completion rates of internet-based cognitive therapy (iCBT) for depression in Iceland, as well as identify background variables associated with non-completion of therapy. Method: A single-group repeated measure design with Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF) was employed. Pre- post data were analyzed from a 10-session iCBT program for depression at Mín Líðan, collected between May 2018 and February 2024. Data included background questions and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) at three time points. Dropout was defined as individuals who registered for the initial session but did not complete the first PHQ-9. Non- completers were those who completed the first but not the last PHQ-9, while completers were those who finished all three PHQ-9 assessments. A total of 1523 individuals registered for the treatment, with 253 participants completed the first PHQ-9 (60.5% female, 39.5% males). The mean age was 37.9 years (SD = 11.29). S