Ism Assessment 4
Ism Assessment 4
Ism Assessment 4
Research Assessment #4
Depression: Current Progress and Future Directions.” Harvard review of psychiatry vol.
Annotations: Here
Assessment:
The article, “Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression: Current Progress and
traditional therapy, users do not visit a therapist face-to-face and instead run their own
course online. This new technological advancement addresses the issue of accessibility
for lower-income individuals and those with geographical disadvantages. While research
proves iCBT decrease depressive symptoms, the main problem is that since evaluations
are self-diagnosed, many users drop out of the course. Emails, phone calls, and check-ups
have, therefore, been integrated into the programs to hold the patients more accountable.
Through this article, I have gained a general understanding of how Internet Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy works and what effects it has on users. As more research surfaces, it seems to
have a positive trend towards becoming more effective for patients compared to iCBT
Zurita 2
prototypes as new technology and personalization are available. It is exciting to find out
that these programs provide a more accessible option with similar or the same benefits as
going to a therapist's office. However, I was surprised by the data that supports this
conclusion. With suicidal patients, for example, therapists are trained to detect specific
symptoms or sayings that indicate they may attempt. The computer I thought would lack
this attention to detail because they are not able to analyze their behaviors and quotes in
person. The article contradicts my theory, though, as these programs use passive data,
which includes speech patterns, social media activity, and the use of other apps, to
examine if the patient is in a depressive episode. I know that this tool could save lives,
but is it technically ethical? If users are not aware of the data these iCBT programs are
using to detect their mental health, and when they find out, could this cause paranoia or
other effects? If I used this in my app, I would need to disclose the usage in a way that
iCBT, in both its techniques and effects, offers more similarities to classic CBT than differences.
iCBT seeks to teach their patients why they are thinking and behaving a certain way, then
assigns homework to apply it to their situation. The format follows what I have studied
previously about face-to-face therapy. The principle that maladaptive thoughts can be
difference between the two is how the client and therapist interact, assuming the iCBT
even does so. While it does have its limitations, as stated previously, it is essential to
recognize the positive possibilities. In modern times, internet access is available to nearly
all incomes and geographies. However, therapy does not have the same reach, as it can be
Zurita 3
too expensive or far away. Another issue is the stigma of attending therapy, which often
drives people away from seeking the help they need. iCBT is designed to overcome all of
these obstacles to increase accessibility. I think that these programs can help address the
stated issues globally and help more people prioritize their mental health. Anxiety and
depression levels have been at an all-time high, especially with children and teens. By the
young generation's connection with social media, iCBT, as well as advertising mental
health on these platforms, will reach these users better than on websites or
mouth-to-mouth. The increased use of mobile phones will also provide CBT teachings
and homework through a more manageable design that people can access quicker. I
believe iCBT is the modern solution to the lack of mental health treatment and will grow
Therapy app as my original work. I planned to include informational courses over CBT,
elements to drive patients to continue their journey. The article, though, has shown me
components of iCBT that could improve my design if I were to incorporate them. For
example, data shows that when therapists reach out to users via email, call, or text, they
are more likely to stick with the program. I want to use this research to create my own
system that keeps patients obligated to finish. More importantly, the article introduced me
to the current drawbacks and complications found in iCBT programs. The first issue is
the drop rate. Without the guidance of an actual therapist, patients do not feel as
motivated to complete the program in its entirety. After brainstorming ideas on how to
Zurita 4
decrease this, I thought that a game or reward system would work. If completing
homework or lessons would earn users points towards something, then maybe they would
want to continue working through the app, and subsequently receiving the help they need.
I think that this would differentiate my app because it is both healthful and entertaining. It
could also be useful when dealing with children, as the game component will help them
learn better and by interacting with the program. The second issue I hope to address is by
increasing the number of people who find iCBT appealing. Demographics reveal that
specific types of people are more likely to succeed than others. For users that find it most
effective are women, people with higher educations, people with higher depressive
severity, and single people. I want to improve effectiveness for those who do not fit these
categories by examining what attracts or helps them. Through this research, I want to add
The article leaves me with a few questions: Are iCBT programs able to adapt to new or
worsening systems? If the programs continue to grow in popularity, how will they be able
to provide personalized and check-ins with therapists to all users? The questions I have
are more related to the system than the psychology of iCBT because I know little about
help me create an app that can benefit all walks of life. I also want to find a therapist plan
so that I can better understand the steps patients take towards recovery, and therefore I