MORGAN Amy J., JORM Anthony F., MACKINNON Andrew J.
Journal article citation:
British Journal of Psychiatry, 200(5), May 2012, pp.412-418.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Subthreshold depression, clinically relevant symptoms falling short of a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, is common and impairs functioning. Antidepressants are considered to have limited effectiveness in this condition and, although effective, resource limitations mean that psychotherapies are not widely used. The authors believe that improving self-help coping strategies could help subthreshold depression and prevent major depression. This randomised controlled trial tested the effectiveness of a series of automated emails based on persuasive communication techniques promoting effective self help behaviours. The trial was conducted through the website: www.moodmemos.com . Participants (n=1326), recruited through internet sources, received automated emails twice weekly for 6 weeks containing advice about self-help strategies. Emails containing general information about depression served as a control. The main outcome was depression symptom level on the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).There was a small significant difference in depression symptoms at post-intervention, favouring the active group and a lower, although non-significant, risk of major depression in the active group. The authors conclude that emails promoting self-help strategies were beneficial. They suggest that internet delivery of self-help messages affords a low-cost, easily disseminated and highly automated approach to the prevention of depression.
Subthreshold depression, clinically relevant symptoms falling short of a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, is common and impairs functioning. Antidepressants are considered to have limited effectiveness in this condition and, although effective, resource limitations mean that psychotherapies are not widely used. The authors believe that improving self-help coping strategies could help subthreshold depression and prevent major depression. This randomised controlled trial tested the effectiveness of a series of automated emails based on persuasive communication techniques promoting effective self help behaviours. The trial was conducted through the website: www.moodmemos.com . Participants (n=1326), recruited through internet sources, received automated emails twice weekly for 6 weeks containing advice about self-help strategies. Emails containing general information about depression served as a control. The main outcome was depression symptom level on the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).There was a small significant difference in depression symptoms at post-intervention, favouring the active group and a lower, although non-significant, risk of major depression in the active group. The authors conclude that emails promoting self-help strategies were beneficial. They suggest that internet delivery of self-help messages affords a low-cost, easily disseminated and highly automated approach to the prevention of depression.
British Journal of Psychiatry, 200(5), May 2012, pp.419-425.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
... survey of 6019 adults was carried out in 2011 using the same questions as in the two previous surveys. Results showed improved recognition of depression and more positive ratings for a range of interventions, including help from mental health professionals and antidepressants. It is concluded that, although beliefs about effective medications and interventions have moved closer to those of health
In 1995 an Australian national survey of mental health literacy showed poor recognition of disorders and beliefs about treatment that differed from those of health professionals. A similar survey carried out in 2003/4 showed some improvements over 8 years. This study investigated whether recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment have changed over a 16-year period. A national survey of 6019 adults was carried out in 2011 using the same questions as in the two previous surveys. Results showed improved recognition of depression and more positive ratings for a range of interventions, including help from mental health professionals and antidepressants. It is concluded that, although beliefs about effective medications and interventions have moved closer to those of health professionals since the previous surveys, there is still potential for mental health literacy gains in the areas of recognition and treatment beliefs for mental disorders. This is particularly the case for schizophrenia.
Subject terms:
mental health education, mental health problems, public opinion, schizophrenia, stereotyped attitudes, treatment, therapy and treatment, depression;
CHRISETENSEN Helen, GRIFFITHS Kathleen M., JORM Anthony F.
Journal article citation:
British Medical Journal, 31.1.04, 2003, pp.265-268.
Publisher:
British Medical Association
Reports on an Australian study to evaluate the efficacy of two Internet interventions for community-dwelling individuals with symptoms of depression - a psycheducation website offering information about depression (BluePages) and an interactive website offering cognitive behaviour therapy (MoodGYM). The survey recruited 525 individuals with increased depressive symptoms who were randomly allocated to one of the websites. Outcome measures used were change in depression dysfunction thoughts; knowledge of medical, psychological and lifestyle treatments; and knowledge of cognitive behaviour therapy. Results found both cognitive behaviour therapy and psychoeducation delivered via the Internet were effective in reducing symptoms of depression.
Reports on an Australian study to evaluate the efficacy of two Internet interventions for community-dwelling individuals with symptoms of depression - a psycheducation website offering information about depression (BluePages) and an interactive website offering cognitive behaviour therapy (MoodGYM). The survey recruited 525 individuals with increased depressive symptoms who were randomly allocated to one of the websites. Outcome measures used were change in depression dysfunction thoughts; knowledge of medical, psychological and lifestyle treatments; and knowledge of cognitive behaviour therapy. Results found both cognitive behaviour therapy and psychoeducation delivered via the Internet were effective in reducing symptoms of depression.
Subject terms:
internet, intervention, randomised controlled trials, treatment, therapy and treatment, behaviour therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, depression, evaluation, health education;
British Journal of Psychiatry, 180, May 2002, pp.423-427.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
This Australian study assess separately the mental health of homosexual and bisexual groups compared with heterosexuals. A community survey of 4824 adults was carried out in Canberra, Australia. Measures covered anxiety, depression, suicidality, alcohol misuse, positive and negative affect and a range of risk factors for poorer mental health. The bisexual group was highest on measures of anxiety, depression and negative affect, with the homosexual group falling between the other two groups. Both the bisexual and homosexual groups were high on suicidality. Bisexuals also had more current adverse life events, greater childhood adversity, less positive support from family, more negative support from friends and a higher frequency of financial problems. Homosexuals reported greater childhood adversity
This Australian study assess separately the mental health of homosexual and bisexual groups compared with heterosexuals. A community survey of 4824 adults was carried out in Canberra, Australia. Measures covered anxiety, depression, suicidality, alcohol misuse, positive and negative affect and a range of risk factors for poorer mental health. The bisexual group was highest on measures of anxiety, depression and negative affect, with the homosexual group falling between the other two groups. Both the bisexual and homosexual groups were high on suicidality. Bisexuals also had more current adverse life events, greater childhood adversity, less positive support from family, more negative support from friends and a higher frequency of financial problems. Homosexuals reported greater childhood adversity and less positive support from family.
British Journal of Psychiatry, 171, September 1997, pp.233-237.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Aims to compare the beliefs of health professionals about the potential helpfulness of various mental health interventions with those of the general public. The professionals gave much higher ratings than the public to the helpfulness of antidepressants for depression, and of antipsychotics and admission to a psychiatric ward for schizophrenia. Conversely, the public tended to give much more favourable ratings to vitamins and minerals and special diets for both depression and schizophrenia, and to reading self-help books for schizophrenia. Concludes that the beliefs health practitioners hold about mental disorders differ greatly from those of the general public. Calls for mental health education campaigns to help close the gap between professional and public beliefs.
Aims to compare the beliefs of health professionals about the potential helpfulness of various mental health interventions with those of the general public. The professionals gave much higher ratings than the public to the helpfulness of antidepressants for depression, and of antipsychotics and admission to a psychiatric ward for schizophrenia. Conversely, the public tended to give much more favourable ratings to vitamins and minerals and special diets for both depression and schizophrenia, and to reading self-help books for schizophrenia. Concludes that the beliefs health practitioners hold about mental disorders differ greatly from those of the general public. Calls for mental health education campaigns to help close the gap between professional and public beliefs.
Subject terms:
intervention, mental health problems, psychiatry, psychology, public opinion, schizophrenia, severe mental health problems, surveys, treatment, therapy and treatment, attitudes, depression, general practitioners;