George Vlaescu

Mr. George Vlaescu


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

12Years (2015-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 November 2016 in Internet Interventions
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
GVGeorge Vlaescu
George Vlaescu
AAAlexander Alasjö
Alexander Alasjö
AMAlexander Miloff
Alexander Miloff
PCPer Carlbring
Per Carlbring
GAGerhard Andersson
Gerhard Andersson
The purpose of this article is to describe an internet-based platform for improving symptoms and quality of life for people with psychological and behavioural health problems such as depression, anxiety, phobia, psychological trauma, hearing loss and tinnitus. The online platform, called Iterapi, was developed at the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning at Linköping University, Sweden and has been running for nearly two decades and used in many randomized controlled trials and outpatient treatments. The intention of this article is to share our experience with developing such a treatment solution and the process flow and elements of running internet-based psychological interventions. This will likely be of use to developers building similar services, therapists considering integrating such approaches in their practices and institutions, as well as researchers curious about the functions included on the platform and methodology used for running studies. We describe the security aspects of the platform, central concepts underlying its development, how the platform can be used in a study or treatment and the main features and functions the platform offers. We comment on practical considerations regarding blending of methods within the platform, such as self-help treatments with asynchronous communication and real-time text chat and video conversations. We also point out the advantages of using Internet-assisted treatments, the challenges that we have faced and future planned upgrades. Due to continuous development of the platform, its user-friendliness, accessibility across devices and numerous features, many research colleagues from Sweden as well as other countries such as Germany, United Kingdom, Romania and Israel have chosen to implement their own studies on the platform.

1 November 2016 in Internet Interventions
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
EBEldré Wiida Beukes
Eldré Wiida Beukes
GVGeorge Vlaescu
George Vlaescu
Vinaya ManchaiahVinaya Manchaiah
Vinaya Manchaiah
DBDavid M. Baguley
David M. Baguley
PAPeter M. Allen
Peter M. Allen
GAGerhard Andersson
Gerhard Andersson
Creative approaches to improve access to evidence-based tinnitus treatments are required. The purpose of this study was to develop an Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) intervention, for those experiencing tinnitus in the United Kingdom (UK). Furthermore, it aimed, through technical functionality testing, to identify specific aspects of the iCBT that require improving. An innovative iCBT intervention for treating tinnitus in the UK has been developed using a cognitive-behavioural theoretical framework. This iCBT was evaluated by two user groups during this developmental phase. Initially, five expert reviews evaluated the intervention, prior to evaluation by a group of 29 adults experiencing significant levels of tinnitus distress. Both groups evaluated iCBT in an independent measures design, using a specifically designed satisfaction outcome measure. Overall, similar ratings were given by the expert reviewers and adults with tinnitus, showing a high level of satisfaction regarding the content, suitability, presentation, usability and exercises provided in the intervention. The iCBT intervention has been refined following technical functionality testing. Rigorous testing of the developed iCBT intervention has been undertaken. These evaluations provide confidence that further clinical trials can commence in the UK, to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this iCBT intervention for tinnitus.

NMNick Midgley
Nick Midgley
BTBrenda Michelle Guerrero Tates
Brenda Michelle Guerrero Tates
RMRose Mortimer
Rose Mortimer
JEJulian Edbrooke-Childs
Julian Edbrooke-Childs
JMJakob Mechler
Jakob Mechler
BPBjörn Philips
Björn Philips
Introduction: Face-to-face therapy is unavailable to many young people with mental health difficulties in the UK. Internet-based treatments are a low-cost, flexible, and accessible option that may be acceptable to young people. This pilot study examined the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of an English-language adaptation of internet-based psychodynamic treatment (iPDT) for depressed adolescents, undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Methods: A single-group, uncontrolled design was used. A total of 23 adolescents, 16–18 years old and experiencing depression, were recruited to this study. Assessments were made at baseline and end of treatment, with additional weekly assessments of depression and anxiety symptoms. Results: Findings showed that it was feasible to recruit to this study during the pandemic, and to deliver the iPDT model with a good level of treatment acceptability. A statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms and emotion dysregulation was found, with large effect size, by the end of treatment. Whilst anxiety symptoms decreased, this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: The findings suggest that this English-language adaptation of iPDT, with some further revisions, is feasible to deliver and acceptable for adolescents with depression. Preliminary data indicate that iPDT appears to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents.

1 September 2015 in American Journal of Audiology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
GVGeorge Vlaescu
George Vlaescu
PCPer Carlbring
Per Carlbring
TLThomas Lunner
Thomas Lunner
GAGerhard Andersson
Gerhard Andersson
Purpose: To describe a feasible web-based solution for improving the quality of life of persons with hearing problems such as hearing loss or tinnitus. The online platform was developed at the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning at Linköping University, Sweden and has been running for a number of years and used in numerous studies and treatments. Method: The security aspects of the platform as well as the process flow for running a study or treatment are described, focusing primarily on the technical and practical considerations. Also presented are the design characteristics and the main features and functions available in the platform. Results: We point out both the many advantages of running internet-assisted intervention treatments, the challenges that we have faced and some intended developments. Many of our research colleagues, both from Sweden and other countries, have already implemented or intend to implement their own studies on this platform. Conclusion: Audiological rehabilitation can be delivered via the internet using a stable online platform. Security and usability are important factors to have in mind for the design, as well as adaptability to the patients. A next development step is to implement and test blended treatments using video conferencing inside the platform.

23 May 2026 in Internet Interventions
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
GVGeorge Vlaescu
George Vlaescu
PCPer Carlbring
Per Carlbring
GAGerhard Andersson
Gerhard Andersson
Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) is now a well-established treatment modality supported by numerous controlled trials. Platforms for delivering these interventions have become critical infrastructure for both research and clinical practice, yet platform descriptions remain rare in the literature. In this article, we provide an updated description of the Iterapi platform, originally reported by Vlaescu et al., 2016. Over the past decade, Iterapi has been used in more than 100 published research studies, spanning over 35 clinical conditions (including depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, tinnitus, loneliness, and climate anxiety) across at least 20 countries on five continents. We describe the platform's core architecture and functionality, including treatment modules, questionnaire systems, communication tools, and automation features. We also report on significant developments since 2016, including enhanced security and regulatory compliance (GDPR, data protection impact assessments), new features for ecological momentary assessment, electronic identification and incorporation of artificial intelligence. Finally, we outline future directions including mobile application development, digital phenotyping, just-in-time adaptive interventions, and the role of emerging regulatory frameworks. This update is intended as a practical resource for researchers and clinicians considering platform-based delivery of internet interventions.