Researchers looked at two types of online therapy for teenagers with depression. Results showed no clear advantage for either method after one year, though data interpretation was limited. They compared internet-delivered psychodynamic therapy against internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy. The study included 272 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. This was a randomized controlled trial designed to see which method worked better. However, the pandemic during the follow-up period may affect how we interpret some results.
After twelve months, there were no significant differences between the two groups. Both treatments worked similarly for reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms. There were also no differences in treatment costs or healthcare use costs. This suggests both methods are equally effective for this age group.
One reason to be careful is that the COVID-19 pandemic happened during the follow-up period. This made it harder to interpret some health-care use data accurately. Safety information was not reported in this trial. Readers should understand that the pandemic may have changed how people used health services.
Readers should know that both options can be seen as viable alternatives for treating adolescent depression. It is important to talk to a doctor about the best choice for each person. Neither therapy was proven to be better than the other. Patients can choose based on their personal preference and availability.