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Technology-Based Advances in the Management of Depression

Focus on the COPE™ Program

  • Practical Disease Management
  • Published:
Disease Management and Health Outcomes

Abstract

Depression remains under-recognised and under-treated despite it being more disabling than any other medical disorder and the availability of effective protocol-based psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy treatments. Prevailing psychotherapy seldom employs evidence-based treatments, continuing instead the use of idiosyncratic psychotherapies of dubious value.

Computer interview programs have been developed and evaluated that have the potential to make protocol-based psychotherapy of proven efficacy available over the Internet. Interactive voice response (IVR) makes these programs even more accessible through any touch-tone telephone.

COPE™ is a self-help program for patients with depression that combines a series of booklets, videotapes and IVR telephone calls. One trial reported significant reductions in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores in patients with depression who completed a 12-week COPE™ program.

Impediments to dissemination of these computer tools that complement, supplement and reinforce best practice values include developer’s limited knowledge of business practices and the slow change of practice paradigms.

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Correspondence to John H. Greist M.D..

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Greist, J.H., Osgood-Hynes, D.J., Baer, L. et al. Technology-Based Advances in the Management of Depression. Dis-Manage-Health-Outcomes 7, 193–200 (2000). https://doi.org/10.2165/00115677-200007040-00003

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00115677-200007040-00003

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