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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Study protocol

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of an online e health application for the prevention of Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Authors: Helen Christensen, Kathleen M Griffiths, Andrew J Mackinnon, Kanupriya Kalia, Philip J Batterham, Justin Kenardy, Claire Eagleson, Kylie Bennett

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder. Effective prevention in young adulthood has the potential to reduce the prevalence of the disorder, to reduce disability and lower the costs of the disorder to the community. The present trial (the WebGAD trial) aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based online prevention website for GAD.

Methods/Design

The principal clinical question under investigation is the effectiveness of an online GAD intervention (E-couch) using a community-based sample. We examine whether the effect of the intervention can be maximised by either human support, in the form of telephone calls, or by automated support through emails. The primary outcome will be a reduction in symptoms on the GAD-7 in the active arms relative to the non active intervention arms.

Discussion

The WebGAD trial will be the first to evaluate the use of an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program contrasted with a credible control condition for the prevention of GAD and the first formal RCT evaluation of a web-based program for GAD using community recruitment. In general, internet-based CBT programs have been shown to be effective for the treatment of other anxiety disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Social Phobia, Panic Disorder and stress in clinical trials; however there is no evidence for the use of internet CBT in the prevention of GAD. Given the severe shortage of therapists identified in Australia and overseas, and the low rates of treatment seeking in those with a mental illness, the successful implementation of this protocol has important practical outcomes. If found to be effective, WebGAD will provide those experiencing GAD with an easily accessible, free, evidence-based prevention tool which can be promoted and disseminated immediately.

Trial Registration

Controlled-trials.com: ISRCTN76298775
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Metadata
Title
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of an online e health application for the prevention of Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Authors
Helen Christensen
Kathleen M Griffiths
Andrew J Mackinnon
Kanupriya Kalia
Philip J Batterham
Justin Kenardy
Claire Eagleson
Kylie Bennett
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-10-25

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