[Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders].

Recent years have seen the development of Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, i.e. psychological self-help program mediated via the Internet, the patient being in contact via e-mail with the support person directing the therapy. Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy usually consists of psychoeducation, exercises and prevention of the recurrence of symptoms. Modules of the network program are thus the cornerstones of "live" cognitive-behavioral therapy. Self-help provided by Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy therapy has been found to be effective especially in the treatment of panic disorder, social phobia and depression, providing an opportunity to extend therapeutic services also to persons beyond the reach of traditional therapy.