Guided Online Self-help for Loneliness

SOLUS - A Randomized Controlled Two-site Trial Comparing Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internet-based Interpersonal Psychotherapy

The study seeks to investigate the efficacy of two internet-based self-help programmes administered with support from a therapist. The two active conditions consist of an internet cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) programme and a intervention of internet-based interpersonal psychotherapy (IIPT), both of which have been developed for the present study. The active conditions will be compared to a wait-list control group.

Participants will be recruited in Sweden with a nationwide recruitment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Frequent and distressing experiences of loneliness
• Can speak, write, and read the primary language of the country in which they reside (Sweden or the United Kingdom).
• Have access to an internet connection and a computer/smart phone/tablet
• Are prepared to participate in the study, regardless of the type of treatment they are randomly assigned to.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Changes in dosage of psychopharmaceutic medication in the last three months prior to the start of the study or a planned change during the initial treatment period.
• Other ongoing psychotherapeutic treatment
• Suicidal plans
• A previously diagnosed personality syndrome
• Ongoing substance abuse
• Other acute treatment need related to a psychiatric disorder requiring attention from a mental health professional (e.g. eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa).