Professor Gerhard Anderson at LiU is a prominent figure in the development of online treatments. It has been found that these work just as well as meeting a psychologist face to face. There are also advantages to this format, such as the patient being able to take the treatment when it suits them and read the information several times. Meanwhile, a therapist is available for feedback and support.
The list of areas in which Gerhard Andersson’s research group has conducted treatment studies is long: stretching from depression, tinnitus and phobias to loneliness, perfectionism and recovery from stress.
“A lot of research is being done about why people feel bad. We take it one step further. Not just ‘this is how we can map how young people feel’, but ‘this is how we can make young people feel better’,” says Gerhard Andersson.
The research reaches all the way to patients. The programmes that Swedish healthcare centres offer for stress problems and sleep difficulties were researched in Linköping.
The researchers also have a new idea that is unique in the world – to tailor treatment content to each individual. Patients can choose to work on their anxiety and stress, for example, a bit like a smorgasbord. And the treatment can be individualised based on for instance language and education level.
“Our goal is to create a virtual catalogue of effective treatments for different target groups. This would make Linköping University unique, and we can share treatment materials with the healthcare system,” says Gerhard Andersson.
