Effects of a self-help internet intervention in individuals with pain and depressive symptoms

Status:

completed 08/2023

Aims:

The aim of the research project was to investigate the effectiveness and acceptance of the new online self-help program Lenio and the accompanying smartphone app COGITO for people with chronic pain and accompanying depressive symptoms. The study included 263 participants.

Activities/Methods:

Data were collected in a randomized controlled trial in which three groups were formed: one group received direct access to Lenio and the companion app COGITO, a wait-list control group received access to the intervention after 16 weeks, and an active control group had direct access to another app that addressed only depression but not chronic pain.

Results:

The results showed that the active control group showed a greater improvement in pain impairment, while the intervention group showed a greater reduction in depressive symptoms. Subjective ratings of Lenio were largely positive, with relief in emotional problems. There were also positive effects on quality of life.

Overall, the study suggests that the new online self-help program Lenio with accompanying smartphone app COGITO has positive effects on the reduction of depressive symptoms, although results vary between groups and may be moderated by factors such as age and presence of multiple diagnoses.

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