Effectiveness of an Online Bulletin Board for Depression: a Longitudinal Randomized Controlled Trial

Early Phase 1

Withdrawn

• Conditions: Depression
• Interventions: Other: bulletin board

• Registration Number: NCT01423448
• Lead Sponsor: Louise Farrer

Brief Summary

This study is a randomised controlled trial that aims to examine the efficacy of an established online bulletin board for depression. It has been estimated that millions of people worldwide use peer-to-peer bulletin boards, forums or internet support groups (ISGs) for health conditions. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these groups in terms of symptom reduction or improvement in quality of life. The current project investigates the effectiveness of an established online bulletin board for depression available to the public. To our knowledge, this is the first randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of a pre-existing, well-established online bulletin board for depression in the community. The aims of the project are to determine whether the bulletin board improves mental health, quality of life, and related outcomes among members of the community with high levels of self-reported psychological distress and previous history or current experience of depression.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2011-08-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2011-08-25
• Study First Posted: 2011-08-26
• Status Verified: 2015-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-01-13
• Last Update Posted: 2015-01-14

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: WITHDRAWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: Not specified

Inclusion Criteria

1. Over 18 years of age
2. Internet access with email
3. Self-report of current or previous experience of depression

Exclusion Criteria

1. Current participation in an online support group for depression
2. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Bulletin board	bulletin board	Participants will be given access to the online bulletin board (intervention) for a 6 month period

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Depressive symptoms: Centre for Epidemiological Studies - Depression Scale (CES-D)	12 months post-baseline	20-item self -report measure of depression severity

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University; 🇦🇺 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia