TY - JOUR KW - Adolescent KW - Adult KW - Aged KW - Cognitive Therapy/methods KW - Depressive Disorder/therapy KW - Female KW - Follow-Up Studies KW - Humans KW - Interview, Psychological KW - Male KW - Middle Aged KW - Primary Health Care/methods KW - Questionnaires KW - Referral and Consultation KW - Therapy, Computer-Assisted/methods KW - Treatment Outcome KW - Young Adult AU - W. Levin AU - D. R. Campbell AU - K. B. McGovern AU - J. M. Gau AU - D. B. Kosty AU - J. R. Seeley AU - P. M. Lewinsohn A1 - AB - BACKGROUND: The clinical benefit for depression of an interactive computer-assisted cognitive-behavioral program on CD-ROM, the Wellness Workshop (WW), was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. METHOD: A total of 191 individuals referred by primary-care physicians were randomly assigned to a control group, where physician-directed treatment as usual (TAU) was provided, or to a treatment group, where TAU was supplemented with the WW CD-ROM, delivered by mail (WW+TAU). Data were collected at baseline, at 6 weeks' post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up assessment. Participants were given a strong incentive by a reimbursement of $75 for completion of each assessment. Measures included symptom ratings obtained via structured clinical diagnostic interviews, as well as a battery of self-report questionnaires on symptoms specifically targeted by the intervention. RESULTS: Analysis of results demonstrated evidence for skill acquisition for improving dysfunctional thinking and reducing anxiety. Among those who met diagnostic criteria for depression, WW+TAU participants were three times more likely to remit at 6 weeks' post-test than TAU participants. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence supports the conclusion that the WW intervention added benefit to traditional care for depression. No placebo comparison group was included and the WW+TAU participants received slightly more attention (a supportive telephone contact,