Twelve-month outcomes and comparative costs of internet-delivered psychodynamic therapy versus cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescent depression: a randomized controlled trial - Summary - MDSpire

Twelve-month outcomes and comparative costs of internet-delivered psychodynamic therapy versus cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescent depression: a randomized controlled trial

  • By

  • Karin Lindqvist

  • Jakob Mechler

  • Paraskevi Peristera

  • Per Carlbring

  • Fredrik Falkenström

  • Peter Lilliengren

  • Gerhard Andersson

  • Robert Johansson

  • Nick Midgley

  • Julian Edbrooke-Childs

  • Hanne-Sofie J. Dahl

  • Rolf Sandell

  • Agneta Thorén

  • Naira Topooco

  • Randi Ulberg

  • Katja Lindert Bergsten

  • Björn Philips

  • April 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To compare the long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) and internet-delivered psychodynamic therapy (IPDT) specifically for adolescent depression.

Key Findings:
  • Stable results for depressive and anxiety symptoms at 12-month follow-up compared to treatment endpoint, indicating sustained treatment effects.
  • No significant differences between ICBT and IPDT in treatment outcomes or costs one year post-treatment, suggesting both are equally viable options.
Interpretation:

Both ICBT and IPDT maintain treatment gains for adolescent depression over a 12-month period, with comparable costs, suggesting they are viable treatment options that warrant further investigation into their long-term impacts.

Limitations:
  • Interpretation of healthcare use data was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the follow-up period, which may have affected participant engagement and reporting.
  • Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and cost-effectiveness, particularly in diverse populations.
Conclusion:

ICBT and IPDT are effective and cost-comparable treatments for adolescent depression, warranting further investigation into their long-term impacts.

Original Source(s)

Twelve-month outcomes and comparative costs of internet-delivered psychodynamic therapy versus cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescent depression: a randomized controlled trial

  • by Karin Lindqvist, Jakob Mechler, Paraskevi Peristera, Per Carlbring, Fredrik Falkenström, Peter Lilliengren, Gerhard Andersson, Robert Johansson, Nick Midgley, Julian Edbrooke-Childs, Hanne-Sofie J. Dahl, Rolf Sandell, Agneta Thorén, Naira Topooco, Randi Ulberg, Katja Lindert Bergsten, Björn Philips

  • April 20, 2026

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