A
Online programs to fight depression are already commercially available. While they sound efficient and cost-saving, a recent study reports that they’re not effective, primarily because depressed patients are not likely to engage with them or stick with them.
The study looked at computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT认知行为治疗) and found that it was no more effective in treating depression than the usual care patients receive from a primary care doctor.
Traditional CBT is considered an effective form of talk therapy for depression, helping people challenge negative thoughts and change the way they think in order to change their mood and behaviors. However, online CBT programs have been gaining popularity, with the attraction of providing low-cost help wherever someone has access to a computer.
A team of researchers from the University of York conducted a randomized(随机的) control trial with 691 depressed patients from 83 physician practices across England. The patients were split into three groups: one group received only usual care from a physician while the other two groups received usual care from a physician plus one of computerized CBT programs. Participants were balanced across the three groups for age, sex, educational background, severity and duration of depression, and use of antidepressants(抗抑郁药).
After four months, the patients using the computerized CBT programs had no improvement in depression levels over the patients who were only getting usual care from their doctors.
“It’s an important, cautionary note that we shouldn’t get too carried away with the idea that a computer system can replace doctors and therapists.” says Christopher Dowrick, a professor of primary medical care at the University of Liverpool. “We do still need the human touch or the human interaction, particularly when people are depressed.”
“Being depressed can mean feeling in your own small, negative, dark world,” Dowrick says. Having a person, instead of a computer, reach out to you is particularly important in combating that sense of isolation. “When you’re emotionally vulnerable(脆弱的), you’re even more in need of a caring human being.” he says.
21. Why have online CBT programs been increasingly popular?
A. Because of their easy and inexpensive access by patients.
B. Because of their effectiveness in fighting depression.
C. Because of their recommendation by primary care doctors.
D. Because of their attraction of changing mood and behavior.
22. What is the conclusion of the experiment done by researchers at the University of York?
A. The online programs are more advanced than regular care from physicians.
B. The combination of traditional CBT and computerized CBT is most effective.
C. Online CBT programs are as ineffective as regular care from physicians.
D. Online CBT programs have no advantages over regular care from physicians.
23. Which of the following can best convey Professor Dowrick’s advice on online programs?
A. They should be used to help people touch these patients.
B. They should not be ignored in primary care.
C. Their effectiveness should not be overestimated.
D. Their use should be encouraged by doctors.
24. What is more important to an emotionally vulnerable person?
A. A positive state of mind. B. An advanced CBT program.
C. A devoted doctor. D. Human interaction.
