ePST Review

This study wanted to evaluate the efficacy of an interactive media-based, computer-delivered depression treatment program, the program being ePST. 45 participants with major depressive disorder or dysthymia were randomized to either a condition that received 6 weekly sessions of ePST (n= 25) or a control condition that received nothing at all (n= 20). The primary outcome measure was the Beck Depression Inventory II. It was found that those in the experimental group had a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms compared to those in the control condition. 40% of the participants in the experimental group showed clinically significant and reliable changes in depression while none in the control condition met this criterion. (Sandoval et al., 2017, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005789416300090?via%3Dihub)

This pilot study aimed to test the efficacy of a computer-guided problem solving treatment (ePST) for reducing symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia in student military veterans. 24 student veterans were recruited for this study with symptoms of depression and were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (six weekly sessions of ePST) or minimal contact control group. Participants completed questionnaires of depression, PTSD, and insomnia at baseline and post treatments. Results showed improvements in depression, PTSD, and insomnia symptoms. (Bedford, Dietch, Taylor, Boals, & Zayfert, 2017, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005789417301284)

This feasibility study wanted to evaluate the usability, acceptability, credibility, therapeutic alliance and efficacy of ePST. 29 people took part in this study. Depressive symptoms and health-related functioning were assessed at baseline, treatment midpoint and study endpoint. Depression outcomes were compared to previously published research on live PST and computer based depression therapy. Participants used the program for 9 weeks which comprised of 6 ePST sessions. They reported that a therapeutic alliance comparable to that observed in live therapy. Depressive symptoms improved significantly over time as well. Where at baseline, 83% of ePST participants met criteria for either or both major depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder. Then at the end of the trial that number dropped to 18% of participants who met the criteria for either or both major depression or dysthymia. (Sandoval et al., 2017, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005789416300090?via%3Dihub)