The role of therapist support on effectiveness of an internet-based modular self-help intervention for adjustment disorder: a randomized controlled trial

Anxiety Stress Coping. 2018 Mar;31(2):146-158. doi: 10.1080/10615806.2017.1385065. Epub 2017 Oct 6.

Abstract

Background: Adjustment disorder is among the most often diagnosed mental health disorders. Still, there is a lack of specific interventions available for adjustment disorder.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to test if an internet-based self-help intervention for adjustment disorder could be effective without therapist involvement.

Design: A parallel group randomized controlled trial design was used to test the effectiveness of the Brief Adjustment Disorder Intervention (BADI) - an internet-based intervention for adjustment disorder.

Methods: In total 1077 participants were randomized into two conditions: BADI intervention and BADI intervention with therapist support. The main outcome measures were symptoms of adjustment disorder and well-being.

Results: Pre-intervention to post-intervention adjustment disorder effect size for the BADI intervention group was d = 0.64, and for the BADI with therapist support group the effect size was d = 0.53.

Conclusions: The present study supported the effectiveness of the BADI intervention. Our findings also indicated that adding therapist support to the standard BADI intervention did not significantly improve the outcomes.

Keywords: Adjustment disorder; BADI; RCT; internet-based; intervention; stress; well-being.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjustment Disorders / psychology
  • Adjustment Disorders / therapy*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance / psychology
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychology
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult