Evaluating the effectiveness of a video-based online intervention in reducing depression and anxiety in adults

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This trial will test the effectiveness of a brief, video-based online program for reducing depression and anxiety in Australian adults (FitMindKit). Those with elevated psychological distress will be invited to participate and randomised to use either FitMindKit or a comparable general health online program (HealthWatch) for a period of 4 weeks. FitMindKit is an online program that uses brief therapeutic modules to reduce symptoms of common mental disorders (major depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders). The intervention consists of 12 modules adapted and abridged to encapsulate CBT-based therapeutic techniques, such as behavioural activation, cognitive reframing, problem solving, and mindfulness. Participants will complete brief pre- and post-program questionnaires, and will receive weekly e-mail reminders to use FitMindKit or HealthWatch. Outcome measures include depression and anxiety symptoms. It is hypothesised that those who receive the FitMindKit program will show significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms relative to those in the control condition post-intervention. It is also hypothesised that greater adherence to the intervention (number of modules completed) will be observed in the intervention group relative to the control group, and that greater adherence will be associated with greater reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms post-intervention among those who receive the FitMindKit program.