Interapy - PTSD (Netherlands)

Description:

Interapy uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through habituation and cognitive re-appraisal. The program is accessible only if an initial assessment suggests you can benefit from it. If eligible, Interapy involves 10 writing sessions over 5 weeks, each taking approximately 45 minutes. These sessions correspond to three treatment phases in which therapists give you feedback and instructions. Phase 1 focuses on self-confrontation and provides psychoeducation about exposure therapy. In this phase you write in detail about the traumatic event, your fears and thoughts and sensory experiences during the event. Phase 1 and Phase 2 comprise 4 writing sessions each. In the second phase you receive psychoeducation about cognitive reappraisal and write encouraging advice to a hypothetical friend who experienced the event. This task helps you take a new perspective on the event, particularly its positive effect on your life and the lessons learned. Phase 3 involves two sessions in which you share your experience and farewell your trauma by writing a letter to a friend or yourself.

Service URL:

http://www.interapy.nl

Agency Responsible:

Interapy Netherlands BV.

Details

Format:

Website.

Intervention Type:

Psychological – CBT.

Course Length:

Long (more than 5 modules). Comprises 10 writing sessions over 5 weeks

Support Option:

Clinical support. Provided through feedback on written exercises

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Post traumatic stress disorder.

Target Audience:

Adult.

Language:

Dutch. Also delivered in German

Access

Fee:

Free. Free only in the Netherlands under the Health Insurance Act. If you are insured in the Netherlands you need a referral to use the system, and if you are deemed eligible for the program you will be fully reimbursed. Interapy is also fee-based if you want to pay for the system or cannot be referred, or if you do not reside in the Netherlands.

Access:

Closed: Email administrator. Access is granted only if you are deemed eligible to use it.

Contact Details:

info@interapy.nl

Research evidence

Research Trials:

4

Research RCTs:

3

Outcome Summary:

In a pilot study of Interapy for PTSD, 19 of 20 participants displayed clinically significant improvements in PTSD symptoms. Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have since evaluated the program, in Dutch and German speaking populations. In all three studies, participants receiving the Interapy PTSD intervention experienced significant improvements in traumatic symptoms and psychopathology compared to waitlist controls. One RCT using a Dutch speaking student population found large effect sizes of d = 0.7 on avoidance, d = 1.1 on intrusions, d = 1.04 on depression, and d = 1.07 on somatisation. In a Dutch speaking community sample, equally large effect sizes were found on the same measures of avoidance, intrusions, depression and somatisation (1.39, 1.28, 1.04, and 0.73 respectively). An RCT conducted in a German speaking community sample found large effect sizes at post-treatment for PTSD symptoms (intrusions, avoidance, hyperarousal) of d = 0.98 to d = 1.41. At 3-months follow-up these were d = 1.0 to d = 1.60. At post-treatment, large treatment effect sizes were also found for symptoms of depression (d = 1.16) and for anxiety (d = 1.08) and mental health (d = 0.77). An uncontrolled follow-up study of the RCT conducted in the German speaking sample found that reductions in symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety were sustained over an 18-month follow-up period.

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Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

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Research paper citations

Efficacy studies

1. Knaevelsrud, C., & Maercker, A. (2007). Internet-based treatment for PTSD reduces distress and facilitates the development of a strong therapeutic alliance: a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Psychiatry, 7, 13.
2. Knaevelsrud, C., & Maercker, A. (2010). Long-term effects of an internet-based treatment for posttraumatic stress. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, 39(1), 72-77
3. Lange, A., et al. (2000). “Interapy”: The effects of a short protocolled treatment of posttraumatic stress and pathological grief through the Internet. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 28, 175-192.
4. Lange, A., et al. (2001). Interapy: Treatment of posttraumatic stress through the internet: A controlled trial. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 32, 73-90.
5. Lange, A., Rietdijk, D., Hudcovicova, M., van de Ven, J., Schrieken, B., & Emmelkamp, P. M. G. (2003). Interpay: A controlled randomized trial of the standardized treatment of posttraumatic stress through the Internet. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 71, 901-909.
6. Lange, A., van de Ven, J. P., & Schrieken, B. (2003). Interpay: Treatment of post-traumatic stress via the Internet. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 32, 110-124.