One-Year Outcomes and Cost Analysis of Internet-Based Psychodynamic vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescent Depression

Overview

This randomized controlled trial found that both internet-delivered psychodynamic therapy (IPDT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for adolescent depression maintained stable treatment gains at 12 months post-treatment. No significant differences were observed between the two therapies in terms of depressive and anxiety symptoms or treatment and healthcare costs.

Background

Adolescent depression is a significant public health issue linked to functional impairment and increased suicidality risk. Traditional antidepressant treatments show limited efficacy in this population, highlighting the need for accessible psychological interventions. Internet-delivered therapies such as ICBT and IPDT have emerged as promising low-threshold options. However, evidence regarding their long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness in adolescents remains limited.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Both IPDT and ICBT produced stable improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms at 12-month follow-up.
• No significant differences were found between IPDT and ICBT in symptom outcomes at one year.
• Treatment costs were similar for both internet-delivered therapies.
• Healthcare utilization costs during the 12 months post-treatment did not differ significantly between groups.
• The COVID-19 pandemic limited interpretation of healthcare use data during follow-up.
• Both IPDT and ICBT represent viable, cost-comparable treatment alternatives for adolescent depression.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians can consider both internet-delivered psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies as effective and economically comparable options for treating adolescent depression. These modalities offer accessible, low-threshold interventions that maintain benefits up to one year post-treatment. Awareness of external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic is important when interpreting healthcare utilization data.

Conclusion

Internet-based psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies yield sustained clinical benefits and comparable costs at one year for adolescent depression, supporting their use as viable treatment alternatives. Further research is warranted to confirm long-term effects and cost-effectiveness.

References

1. Author/Source/2024 -- Outcomes at One Year and Cost Analysis of Internet-Based Psychodynamic Therapy Compared to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Adolescents