Efficacy of psychological web-based interventions: scoping review

INTRODUCTION: The promotion of well-being and mental health through the web-based psychological interventions have been investigated in several studies. Recent researches evidenced the efficacy of web-based and app interventions for psychological issues; that appeared more relevant in observational studies comparing treatment-no treatment effects. The evidence based approach for those interventions need to be better investigated for verifying the efficacy of web-based approach. AIM: Objective of the present study was to draw the research scenario for digital psychological interventions by evidence-based approach, focusing on efficacy assessment on interventions protocols and typology of interventions. MATERIALS: A bibliographic search was conducted on MEDLINE by PubMed and Web of Science database (march 2021), applying the keywords: "mental health"; "internet"; "treatment"; "mental disorder"; "web-based treatment"; "psychotherapy". The bibliographic search gets n.70 scientific papers through scientific register (PubMed, Web of Science). After removed duplicates, n.62 articles was included in the present study. 11 studies were excluded by unsatisfied inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Results showed the psychological web-based interventions are useful for psychological well-being and for mental health prevention; more, they consent the identification of psychological distress and subclinical disorders: the digital interventions can make better the psychotherapeutical path and quality of life, improving the adherence and addressing new perspective. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the psychological web-based interventions could be represent an impo rtant sign for equality in mental health reducing the obstacles (as well geographical, social, economic features) for psychotherapy.