None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose is to investigate the value of a new mobile therapy for depression using your mobile phone or tablet compared to doing the same therapy program on a computer. We have been modifying an existing internet therapy program for adults with depression and developed a new mobile version. It comprises an illustrated story of someone recovering from depression, take home tasks to facilitate this recovery, and regular clinician advice to improve progress. A username (your email address) and password is required for you to access this mobile therapy application. This is a trial that compares two groups: People who access the course via mobile app and people who access the course via computer. All participants will begin the course at the same time, starting in May.
Interventions
Participants will receive access to the Get Happy program, a mCBT (mobile Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) program. This mCBT program is based on the iCBT program with demonstrated efficacy at reducing symptoms of depression (Perini, Titov & Andrews, 2008; Perini, Titov & Andrews, 2009). The mCBT Get Happy program consists of six lessons and summaries. The homework assignments are emailed to the participant to enable printing.
The six lessons represent best practice principles used in CBT for
Participants will receive access to the Get Happy program, a mCBT (mobile Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) program. This mCBT program is based on the iCBT program with demonstrated efficacy at reducing symptoms of depression (Perini, Titov & Andrews, 2008; Perini, Titov & Andrews, 2009). The mCBT Get Happy program consists of six lessons and summaries. The homework assignments are emailed to the participant to enable printing. The six lessons represent best practice principles used in CBT for depression including behavioural activation, cognitive restructuring, problem solving, and assertiveness skills. Part of the content of each lesson is presented in the form of an illustrated story about a woman with depression who, with the help of a clinical psychologist, learns to gain mastery over her symptoms. As participants progress through each lesson they have access to additional written documents providing supplementary information about techniques such as managing sleep problems, panic, and other common comorbid symptoms. The participants are also provided with access to vignettes written by previous participants about their own experiences in managing depressing during the Get Happy program. Participants are also expected to complete the homework tasks prior to completing the next lesson. All participants will begin the 8-week treatment program at the same time. Participants will be advised to complete one lesson every 7-10 days and to complete the six lessons within 8 weeks of starting. All participants will be able to receive automatic emails and/or SMS, depending on their preferred mode of contact, congratulating them for lesson completion. Automatic emails and SMS can also be sent to participants informing them when a lesson is to be completed and reminding about homework. Reminder emails and SMS will also be sent if they have not completed the next lesson within 7 days of notification. There will be a minimum of 5 days between when each lesson can become available. Participants will have one-on-one contact with the Clinician (Clinical Psychologist) by telephone or email in the first 2 weeks, then as required. The clinician will use a script as a guideline, which identifies the topics covered. After the participants have finished the program, all participants will complete a second set of diagnostic questionnaires.
Sponsors
St Vincent's Hospital
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Self identified as suffering from depression and have questionnaire scores and results of telephone diagnostic interview consistent with this. Have access to the internet and a computer with a printer Participants must have unrestricted access to a Smartphone/ Ipad that uses an Android or iOS. No history of psychosis or current alcohol and drug dependence Not currently suicidal
Exclusion criteria
No regular access to a smartphone/Ipad, to a computer, the Internet, and use of a printer. Using illicit drugs or consuming more than three standard drinks/day. History or experience of a psychotic mental illness (schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) or current severe symptoms of depressions (defined as a total score >23 or responding >2 to Question 9 (suicidal ideation) on the Patient Health Questionnaire- 9 item (PHQ-9). Applicant is taking medication, and has been taking the same dose for less than 1 month or is intending to change that dose during the course of the program.
Outcome results
None listed