The efficacy of an Internet-based therapy (Interapy) for posttraumatic stress: a randomized controlled trial

INTERVENTION: 10‐sessionof 45 minutes (1 week assessment & 5 weeks treatment) cognitive‐behavioral internet‐based treatment for posttraumatic stress versus wait list control group. The treatment consisted of three phases: 1) self‐confrontation, 2) cognitive reconstruction, and 3) social sharing. In the first phase, patients focused on the most painful images and thoughts and described them in all emotional and sensory detail. The goal of the second phase was to form a new perspective on the traumatic event and to regain a sense of control by challenge dysfunctional automatic thinking and behavior patterns, and correct unrealistic assumptions. During the third phase, patients received psycho‐education about the positive effects of social sharing. In a final letter, they then took symbolic leave of the traumatic event. At the beginning of each writing phase, patients proposed individual timetables as to when they planned to write. Halfway through and at the end of each treatment phase, patients received feedback and further writing instructions, which were based on the treatment manual but tailored to patients’ specific needs. CONDITION: Posttraumatic stress disorder PRIMARY OUTCOME: Impact of Event Scale (revised) score (posttraumatic stress symptoms) SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1.) Brief symptom inventory: depression 2.) Brief symptom inventory: anxiety INCLUSION CRITERIA: Traumatic event according to the DSM IV (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, is a handbook used frequently in diagnosing mental disorders.)‐ Posttraumatic stress symptoms‐ fluent in German.