An open trial of a guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy intervention to determine the benefits of the Mood Mechanic Course for young adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression

In this open trial participants will receive access to a 5 week internet-delivered education course, the MoodMechanic Course, which teaches participants how to manage symptoms of anxiety, stress and low mood. All participants will have at least mild symptoms of anxiety or low mood (GAD-7 total score of >4 or PHQ-9 total score of >4). The MoodMechanic Course comprises 4 online lessons, which describe evidence-based cognitive behavioural and interpersonal therapy strategies for managing cognitive, behavioural, and physical symptoms of anxiety and low mood. One lesson will be completed every 7 to 10 days. Each lesson will take about 15 minutes to read. Participants will also have access to summaries of each lesson, and will read anonymous stories about other people with anxiety and low mood, taking a further 20 minutes per week. All participants will also receive 10-20 automatic emails to promote adherence and engagement, and brief weekly (<10minutes week) written or telephone contact from a therapist at the Macquarie University eCentreClinic. Study questionnaires will be administered at application, pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 3-months post-intervention. These will take about 20-30 minutes to complete. Additionally, there will be a brief 5 minute questionnaire at the start of each week of the Course.