Cost-effectiveness of internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy and physical exercise for depression.

Kraepelien M, Mattsson S, Hedman-Lagerlöf E, Petersson IF, Forsell Y, Lindefors N, Kaldo V

BJPsych Open 4 (4) 265-273 [2018-07-00; online 2018-07-16]

Both internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (ICBT) and physical exercise are alternatives to treatment as usual (TAU) in managing mild to moderate depression in primary care. To determine the cost-effectiveness of ICBT and physical exercise compared with TAU in primary care. Economic evaluation of a randomised controlled trial (N = 945) in Sweden. Costs were estimated by a service use questionnaire and used together with the effects on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The primary 3-month healthcare provider perspective in primary care was complemented by a 1-year societal perspective. The primary analysis showed that incremental cost per QALY gain was €8817 for ICBT and €14 571 for physical exercise compared with TAU. At the established willingness-to-pay threshold of €21 536 (£20 000) per QALY, the probability of ICBT being cost-effective is 90%, and for physical exercise is 76%, compared with TAU. From a primary care perspective, both ICBT and physical exercise for depression are likely to be cost-effective compared with TAU. None.

PubMed 30057780

DOI 10.1192/bjo.2018.38

Crossref 10.1192/bjo.2018.38

pmc: PMC6060490
pii: 00038