A self-guided and monitored digital problem-solving intervention for patients with symptoms of depression or anxiety on the waiting list for treatment in routine psychiatric care: feasibility study.

Background: There is often a waiting period for people who seek psychiatric treatment for depression or anxiety. As this delay risks worsening symptoms, an alternative could be to provide an intervention that requires minimal resources during the waiting period.

Aims: The aim was to investigate if a digital problem-solving intervention delivered in a self-guided format with automated features is feasible to provide for patients on the waiting list in routine psychiatric care.

Method: A total of 12 patients with symptoms of depression or anxiety on the waiting list for treatment in routine psychiatric care were given access to a self-guided and monitored digital problem-solving intervention over 4 weeks. Primary outcome measures were treatment credibility and usability. Secondary outcome measures were behavioural engagement, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and negative effects.

Results: A majority of participants rated the intervention as both credible and usable. The intervention was used at least once by nine out of 12 individuals, with an average of 11 logins. The participants did, on average, initiate 2.8 problem-solving attempts and 10.1 solutions. A few participants reached a clinically relevant symptom improvement of depression and anxiety. No serious negative effects were reported.

Conclusions: The credibility and usability of the intervention was perceived as good, and the behavioural engagement with the intervention was deemed sufficient compared with similar self-guided interventions. A self-guided and monitored digital problem-solving intervention may be a beneficial option for patients waiting for or receiving treatment in routine psychiatric care, and should be further evaluated.