Peer-supported Internet Mediated Psychological Treatment

Peer-supported Internet Mediated Psychological Treatment for Adults With Anxiety Disorders in Primary Care

This study evaluates the effect and experience of peer-support in internet mediated ACT (Acceptance and Commitment therapy) in an explorative pilot study with mixed method design conducted in primary care. Peer-supporters are certified support persons with personal experience of mental health problems and the process of rehabilitation, which becomes professionally active in care and support to patients in their recovery

The study is a mixed methods design consisting of an un-controlled pragmatic effectiveness study combined with semi-structured interviews in order to investigate the participant´s experience of treatment. Participants were recruited from patients who were referred to a central unit for internet- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral therapy) in primary care in Västra Götaland region, Sweden. Peer-supporters were recruited through a swedish patient organization. Participants were adults 18 years of age or older with an anxiety disorder.

All participants were interviewed by a psychologist with a diagnostic instrument, a structured interview called PRIME-MD, before starting treatment. After the interview, all patients who were offered iCBT and met the inclusion criteria were requested to participate in the study.

Patients who accepted inclusion were guided by both a psychologist and a peer-support in the iCBT treatment used in the study. The iCBT treatment program used is a transdiagnostic program aimed at treating people with mild to moderate anxiety problems.

Quantitative data about psychosocial symptoms were collected, and qualitative data about the participants experience of treatment were collected through semi-structured interviews.

Inclusion Criteria:

• participants must have reached the age of 18
• have access to a computer with internet Connection
• speak and understand Swedish
• meet the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder (social anxiety, GAD, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or unspecified anxiety disorder).

Exclusion Criteria:

• have started medication or have made major changes regarding their medication in the past few months
• have serious suicidal ideation or suicide plans
• are expected to have complex problems or be in need of other care
• are under any other psychological treatment during the time of the treatment period.