WEEK 1

Advantages and limitations of Internet-based interventions for common mental

disorders

Internet-based psychological treatments have a relatively short history, but extend on principles and
evidence established by computerized interventions (1) and bibliotherapy (2). Reflecting the evolving nature
of the field, a broad range of terms have been used to describe Internet-delivered treatments, although
consistency is emerging (3).We will use the term “Internet-based interventions” for treatments that are
mainly delivered via the Internet with at least some therapeutic tasks delegated to the computer.

The model of Internet-delivered treatment for which there has been most research activity is Internet-
delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) (7). However, other models of psychotherapy (e.g.,
psychodynamic and interpersonal psychotherapies) have also been delivered via the Internet to a much lesser
extent.