TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2015//
TI  - Depression awareness and self-management through the internet: protocol for an internationally standardized approach
JO  - JMIR research protocols
A1  - Arensman, Ella
A1  - Koburger, Nicole
A1  - Larkin, Celine
A1  - Karwig, Gillian
A1  - Coffey, Claire
A1  - Maxwell, Margaret
A1  - Harris, Fiona
A1  - Rummel-Kluge, Christine
A1  - Van Audenhove, Chantal
A1  - Sisask, Merike
A1  - Alexandrova-Karamanova, Anna
A1  - Perez, Victor
A1  - Purebl, Gyorgy
A1  - Cebria, Annabel
A1  - Palao, Diego
A1  - Costa, Susana
A1  - Mark, Lauraliisa
A1  - Tóth, Mónika Ditta
A1  - Gecheva, Marieta
A1  - Ibelshäuser, Angela
A1  - Gusmäo, Ricardo
A1  - Hegerl, Ulrich
SP  - e99
EP  - e99
VL  - 4
IS  - 3
N2  - BACKGROUND: Depression incurs significant morbidity and confers increased risk of suicide. Many individuals experiencing depression remain untreated due to systemic and personal barriers to care. Guided Internet-based psychotherapeutic programs represent a promising means of overcoming such barriers and increasing the capacity for self-management of depression. However, existing programs tend to be available only in English and can be expensive to access. Furthermore, despite evidence of the effectiveness of a number of Internet-based programs, there is limited evidence regarding both the acceptability of such programs and feasibility of their use, for users and health care professionals. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: This paper will present the protocol for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the iFightDepression tool, an Internet-based self-management tool. This is a cost-free, multilingual, guided, self-management program for mild to moderate depression cases. <br><br>METHODS: The Preventing Depression and Improving Awareness through Networking in the European Union consortium undertook a comprehensive systematic review of the available evidence regarding computerized cognitive behavior therapy in addition to a consensus process involving mental health experts and service users to inform the development of the iFightDepression tool. The tool was implemented and evaluated for acceptability and feasibility of its use in a pilot phase in 5 European regions, with recruitment of users occurring through general practitioners and health care professionals who participated in a standardized training program. <br><br>RESULTS: Targeting mild to moderate depression, the iFightDepression tool is based on cognitive behavioral therapy and addresses behavioral activation (monitoring and planning daily activities), cognitive restructuring (identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts), sleep regulation, mood monitoring, and healthy lifestyle habits. There is also a tailored version of the tool for young people, incorporating less formal language and additional age-appropriate modules on relationships and social anxiety. The tool is accompanied by a 3-hour training intervention for health care professionals. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: It is intended that the iFightDepression tool and associated training for health care professionals will represent a valuable resource for the management of depression that will complement existing resources for health care professionals. It is also intended that the iFightDepression tool and training will represent an additional resource within a multifaceted approach to improving the care of depression and preventing suicidal behavior in Europe.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1929-0748
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/resprot.4358
ID  - ref1
ER  -