ObjectiveInternet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) may provide an accessible alternative to face-to-face treatment, but the evidence base in adolescents is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively assess the efficacy of ICBT in addressing depression among adolescents.MethodsFour electronic databases were searched on June 8, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of ICBT for depression in adolescents were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the risk of bias tool recommended by the Cochrane Handbook. Furthermore, the GRADE approach was employed to gauge the certainty of the obtained evidence. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4, and Egger's test was implemented through Stata for assessment of potential publication bias.ResultsA total of 18 RCTs involving 1683 patients were included. In comparison to control groups like attention control, waiting list, and treatment as usual, our meta-analysis findings elucidate a significant reduction in depression scores (SMD = −0.42, 95 % CI: [−0.74, −0.11], p .05).ConclusionResults provide evidence of the efficacy of ICBT to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. These research findings are of vital significance for the establishment of evidence-based treatment guidelines in the digital era.Trial registrationPROSPERO registration: CRD42021277562

Background Online alcohol sales are experiencing rapid growth in many places, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting new laws and regulations. There are no comprehensive and systematic analyses of the laws or their effectiveness. Objective To summarise international policies governing online alcohol sale and delivery, including changes occurring with COVID-19, and examine available evidence of retailer compliance with such policies. Method A policy review of 77 jurisdictions in six English-speaking OECD countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. We synthesised policies according to ten elements identified as potentially relevant for public health regulation. A systematic literature review of compliance evaluations in Medline, Medline Epub, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Results 72 of 77 jurisdictions permitted online alcohol sales and home delivery. Few jurisdictions require age verification at the time of purchase (n = 7), but most require it at delivery (n = 71). Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, most jurisdictions (69%) have either temporarily or permanently relaxed liquor regulations for alcohol home delivery. Three articles examined retailer compliance with age restrictions and found relatively low compliance (0%-46%). Conclusion Many jurisdictions permit the online sale and delivery of alcohol, but regulation of these sales varies widely. In most, regulations do not meet the same standard as bricks-and-mortar establishments and may be insufficient to prevent youth access.

Authors' objectives: This health technology assessment evaluates the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress disorder (ASD). It also evaluates the budget impact of publicly funding iCBT and the experiences, preferences, and values of people with PTSD or ASD.

Authors' objectives: This health technology assessment looked at the effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, budget impact of publicly funding, and patient preferences and values associated with internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for the treatment of mild to moderate major depression and anxiety disorders.

Authors' objectives: This health technology assessment looked at the effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, budget impact of publicly funding, and patient preferences and values associated with internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for the treatment of mild to moderate major depression and anxiety disorders. This health technology assessment has been registered on PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42018096042), available at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO.

Authors' objectives: There are several recent systematic reviews on the effect of therapist-supported internet therapy for various diagnoses and the aim of this health technology assessment was to provide an overview of high quality systematic reviews summarizing the clinical effect of therapist-supported internet therapy for various mental disorders in children, adolescents and adults, as well as assessing certainty of effect estimates. In addition, we performed a health economic evaluation and described budgetary consequences of a therapist-supported internet program for mental disorders compared with conventional cognitive behavioural therapy in the Western Norway Regional Health Authority. The health technology assessment is prepared on behalf of the Commission Forum in the National System for Managed Introduction of New Health Technologies within the Specialist Health Service in Norway, i.e. New Methods (“Nye metoder”).

Authors' objectives: This health technology assessment looked at the effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, budget impact of publicly funding, and patient preferences and values associated with internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for the treatment of mild to moderate major depression and anxiety disorders.