The effectiveness of an online support group for members of the community with depression: a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Internet support groups (ISGs) are popular, particularly among people with depression, but there is little high quality evidence concerning their effectiveness.

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an ISG for reducing depressive symptoms among community members when used alone and in combination with an automated Internet-based psychotherapy training program.

Method

Volunteers with elevated psychological distress were identified using a community-based screening postal survey. Participants were randomised to one of four 12-week conditions: depression Internet Support Group (ISG), automated depression Internet Training Program (ITP), combination of the two (ITP+ISG), or a control website with delayed access to e-couch at 6 months. Assessments were

SUBMITTER: Griffiths KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3532446 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature