Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for common mental health problems is increasingly being delivered by telephone, over the internet and via guided self-help. This thesis examines telephone-delivered interventions for anxiety and depression and is presented in three parts. Part I is a literature review of the effectiveness of telephone interventions for anxiety and depression. Sixteen studies met criteria for the review. Overall, study quality was good and there was reasonable evidence that telephone interventions show promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Further research is required to determine the characteristics of people who find telephone-delivered interventions beneficial. Part II presents the findings from a qualitative study of recipients’ experiences of a 14-week telephone-delivered CBT group for anxiety disorders. Seventeen people completed a telephone interview. Interview transcripts were analysed using the ‘framework’ approach and yielded 10 themes organised into three domains. There were therapeutic benefits from taking part in the groups, even in the absence of symptom change. However, a number of barriers and challenges (e.g. difficulties in connecting with others over the telephone) sometimes prevented people from making full use of the groups. Further research is needed to understand the impact of delivering group CBT by telephone, in order to guide the delivery of similar low-intensity interventions for anxiety. Part III is a reflection on the research process and focuses on the impact of using the telephone for semi-structured interviews, the advantages and challenges of conducting research with external organisations, and the implications for the delivery of low-intensity interventions.
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