deprexis — One of the Most Clinically Studied Tools for Adjunctive Care Worldwide

deprexis Clinical Studies: Key Data at a Glance

With 16 randomized controlled trials, deprexis is one of the most extensively researched adjunctive digital CBT tools for depressive symptoms.






Current meta-analysis based on 12 RCTs (total N = 2,901) involving participants with varying severities of depressive symptoms¹







For all severities of depressive symptoms, even in severe cases: In a study on the use of deprexis for severe depressive symptoms, adults with initially severe symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 15) were randomized (N = 163). Among other findings, a between-group effect size of d = 0.57 after 3 months was reported.

Convincing in adjunctive care: In the EVIDENT RCT (N = 1,013), deprexis was evaluated as a 12-week internet intervention added to treatment as usual (TAU) and achieved a clinically relevant, greater reduction of mild to moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 5–14) compared to TAU alone.

Consequently, the evidence base for deprexis is not only quantitatively robust due to the large number of studies, but also methodically sound, characterized by a high proportion of RCTs, large sample sizes, and meta-analyses. Furthermore, various treatment settings were included, alongside routine medical care, inpatient or outpatient psychotherapy.²,³


1 Twomey, C., O’Reilly, G., Byrne, M., Bury, M., White, A., Kissane, S., & McMahon, A. (2020). Effectiveness of a tailored, integrative Internet intervention (deprexis) for depression: Updated meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 15(1), e0228100.

2 Meyer, B, Bierbrodt, J, et al. Effects of an Internet Intervention (Deprexis) on Severe Depression Symptoms: Randomized Controlled Trial. Internet Interventions. 2015; 2(1):48–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2014.12.003

3 Berger T, Krieger T, Sude K, Meyer B, Maercker A. Evaluating an e-mental health program („deprexis“) as adjunctive treatment tool in psychotherapy for depression: Results of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2018;227:455‐462.

Any questions?

Here you can find frequently asked questions about deprexis and their answers.

deprexis has been evaluated in rigorous clinical trials conducted in collaboration with leading academic institutions and clinical centers worldwide.

In the United States, research was conducted in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin (1).

International and European research partners include:

  • University of Lübeck / UKSH
  • University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)
  • Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
  • University of Bern
  • Bielefeld University
  • University of Trier
  • University of Tübingen

References:

  1. (1) Beevers CG, Pearson R, Hoffman JS, et al. Effectiveness of an internet intervention (Deprexis) for depression in a united states adult sample: A parallel-group pragmatic randomized controlled trial. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2017;85(4):367-380.
  2. (2) Meyer B, Bierbrodt J, Schröder J, et al. Effects of an Internet Intervention (Deprexis) on Severe Depression Symptoms: Randomized Controlled Trial. Internet Interventions. 2015;2(1):48–59.
  3. (3) Berger T, Krieger T, Sude K, et al. Evaluating an e-mental health program ("deprexis") as adjunctive treatment tool in psychotherapy for depression: Results of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2018;227:455–462.

A comprehensive list of clinical research projects, peer-reviewed publications, and study results can be found on the GAIA website in the Research section. Key clinical trials, including the large-scale EVIDENT study, and details on academic research partnerships are highlighted there and updated regularly.

In scientific and medical literature, deprexis is widely recognized as one of the most thoroughly evaluated digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) programs available.

Recent reviews highlight deprexis as an application backed by one of the most extensive bodies of clinical evidence in the digital health space. Meta-analyses consistently confirm its efficacy, drawing on data from 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving nearly 3,000 patients (n=2,901).

Furthermore, independent medical evaluations confirm the program's strong evidence base, noting that its adaptive dialogue structure and therapeutic functions are exceptionally suited for helping individuals manage depressive symptoms effectively.

Yes. deprexis is specifically designed as an adjunctive digital program to be used alongside your ongoing care, such as traditional psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment. It is not intended as a standalone therapy or replacement for professional treatment.

When used as an adjunctive tool, deprexis can significantly enhance overall care outcomes. Clinical research shows that individuals who used deprexis alongside their standard therapy experienced more than double the improvement in their depressive symptoms compared to those receiving traditional psychotherapy alone.

Reference:

(1) Berger T, Krieger T, Sude K, Meyer B, Maercker A. Evaluating an e-mental health program ("deprexis") as adjunctive treatment tool in psychotherapy for depression: Results of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2018;227:455–462.

For healthcare providers, it is important to know that deprexis is not a static, one-size-fits-all program. It utilizes an advanced, dialogue-based system that dynamically adapts its content based on each user's specific symptoms, goals, and ongoing progress.

Through tailored choice pathways and continuous feedback, users can set their own focus areas and progress at their own pace. This responsive design ensures that the program delivers highly relevant, practical support for individuals as an adjunctive resource alongside your clinical care.

For healthcare providers, pacing and user engagement are key considerations. deprexis is intentionally designed to foster self-efficacy while preventing burnout. Users explore CBT-based content at their own comfortable pace, practicing real-world strategies and receiving structured, actionable feedback that makes their progress tangible.

To maintain a balanced and sustainable routine, the program generally encourages users to engage once or twice a week for about 30 to 60 minutes. Because the dynamic dialogue adapts to user inputs, individuals can pause, resume, or revisit modules whenever they need to, ensuring the experience remains supportive rather than overwhelming.