TITLE:
Automation of Electronic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Automated-eCBT) in Adapting Psychotherapy in a Clinical Context: A Review
AUTHORS:
Muneera Al-Wahedi, Suzila Ismail, Waleed AlKhofani, Azlinda Azman
KEYWORDS:
Automated-eCBT, E-Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, E-Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.15 No.9,
September
25,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: Conventional cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) have struggled to provide rapid emergency solutions for psychological patients, particularly those facing acute conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The emergence of electronic cognitive behavioral therapy (e-CBT) has introduced automation in the treatment of these psychological disorders. However, existing literature on the benefits, efficacy, clinical applications, and limitations of automated e-CBT is limited and fragmented. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of automated e-CBT in treating psychological disorders, specifically focusing on its benefits, limitations, and clinical implications. Methodology: A systematic descriptive analysis of 117 cross-sectional studies was conducted, following the Cochrane handbook guidelines and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist. The review encompassed studies published after 2000, investigating various aspects of automated e-CBT. Results: The review delineates the concepts of CBT and psychotherapy, focusing on their application in clinical settings. It examines the automation process in psychotherapy and CBT, discussing both the benefits and limitations of e-CBT. The analysis offers a detailed exploration of the clinical implications of adopting automated e-CBT. Conclusion: Automated e-CBT demonstrates significant potential as an emergency treatment for individuals with severe depressive episodes, anxiety, and PTSD. It offers a promising alternative to traditional face-to-face therapies, particularly in contexts where rapid intervention is critical.