Are Computer-Based Cognitive Therapies Options for Mental Disorders?

Experts urging expansion of online therapy for mental illness

From a recent article on  Reuters:
 The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that mental disorders are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide (in particular depression).

Michael Krausz, a leading specialist at the World Psychiatric Association and a professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia in Canada, said a major answer for patients should be "E-mental health." 

E-mental health includes:

  • Web-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) -  effective in treating depression and anxiety and possibly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Online assessments
  • Web-based psychotherapies
  • Virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies - used in certain therapies for anxiety,
  • Online games and apps developed to support treatment of depression in children.

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