Co-occurence of Mental Illness and Problematic Alcohol Use: an Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy Intervention

Launched by LINKOEPING UNIVERSITY · Jan 22, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying an online therapy program called internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) to see if it can help adults in Sweden who are dealing with both mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, and problems with alcohol use. The researchers want to find out if this program can reduce feelings of distress from mental illness and help participants drink less alcohol. Participants will either receive the ICBT program, which includes working through different modules with support from a trained therapist over 10 weeks, or be in a control group that gets regular attention from the research team without the structured therapy.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be at least 18 years old, have some signs of alcohol use problems, and experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. They must also be able to read and write in Swedish and have access to the internet. Throughout the study, participants will fill out surveys to track their mental health and alcohol consumption at the beginning, end, and during the treatment period. This research aims to provide valuable insights into how online therapy can support those facing these challenges together.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥18 years
• • AUDIT ≥ 6 points for women and ≥ 8 points for men
• • Symptoms of depression, anxiety disorder and/or stress-related illness
• • Adequate ability to speak, read and write Swedish
• • Having access to the internet and a smartphone, computer or other device.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Ongoing psychological treatment.
• • Ongoing medication for AUD
• • Recent changes (within the past three months) in psychiatric medication or planned changes during the treatment period. New medication prescribed during the study shall be reported but will not lead to exclusion
• • Severe psychiatric disorders based on a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) interview and reported medical history
• • Severe medical conditions that may impede participation in the study
• • Severe cognitive impairment
• • Current suicidality
• • Severe alcohol addiction where specialized treatment is more appropriate
• • Risk for severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms with a need for medical treatment. Participation is possible after completing alcohol withdrawal treatment within the ordinary health-care system, accessible to the Swedish population.
• • Substance use disorder, other than alcohol or nicotine, within the past six months.