Beating the Blues® is a computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT) programme for depression and anxiety that is available via the Internet. It has been shown to be a cost effective and time efficient way of helping people suffering from these conditions to get better and stay better. In Feb 2006 the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended Beating the Blues® as a treatment option for all people seen with mild or moderate depression.
Beating the Blues® is an 8-session, self help treatment designed for use by patients with no previous computer experience. During the 8-session programme users identify specific problems and realistic treatment goals. They work through cognitive modules which focus on the identification and challenge of automatic thoughts, thinking errors, distractions, core beliefs and
attributional styles. Interwoven with these cognitive elements are problem directed behavioural components where patients can work on any two of activity scheduling, problem solving, graded exposure, task breakdown or sleep management according to their specific problems. The final module looks at action planning and relapse prevention.
Beating the Blues® uses interactive modules, animations and voice-overs to motivate and engage the user. A major feature is a series of filmed case studies of fictional patients who model the symptoms of anxiety and depression and help demonstrate the treatment by cognitive behavioural therapy.