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BMC Psychiatry

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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Study protocol

Internet-based treatment for older adults with depression and co-morbid cardiovascular disease: protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

Authors: Nicole L Cockayne, Nick Glozier, Sharon L Naismith, Helen Christensen, Bruce Neal, Ian B Hickie

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Background

Depression, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and cognitive impairment are important causes of disability and poor health outcomes. In combination they lead to an even worse prognosis. Internet or web-based interventions have been shown to deliver efficacious psychological intervention programs for depression on a large scale, yet no published studies have evaluated their impact among patients with co-existing physical conditions. The aims of this randomised controlled trial are to determine the effects of an evidence-based internet intervention program for depression on depressive mood symptoms, cognitive function and treatment adherence in patients at risk of CVD.

Methods/Design

This study is an internet-based, double-blind, parallel group randomised controlled trial. The trial will compare the effectiveness of online cognitive behavioural therapy with an online attention control placebo. The trial will consist of a 12-week intervention phase with a 40-week follow-up. It will be conducted in urban and rural New South Wales, Australia and will recruit a community-based sample of adults aged 45 to 75 years. Recruitment, intervention, cognitive testing and follow-up data collection will all be internet-based and automated. The primary outcome is a change in severity of depressive symptoms from baseline to three-months. Secondary outcomes are changes in cognitive function and adherence to treatment for CVD from baseline to three, six and 12-months.

Discussion

Prior studies of depression amongst patients with CVD have targeted those with previous vascular events and major depression. The potential for intervening earlier in these disease states appears to have significant potential and has yet to be tested. Scalable psychological programs using web-based interventions could deliver care to large numbers in a cost effective way if efficacy were proved. This study will determine the effects of a web-based intervention on depressive symptoms and adherence to treatment among patients at risk of CVD. In addition it will also precisely and reliably define the effects of the intervention upon aspects of cognitive function that are likely to be affected early in at risk individuals, using sensitive and responsive measures.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12610000085077

Available only for authorised users

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/11/10/prepub

Title: Internet-based treatment for older adults with depression and co-morbid cardiovascular disease: protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial
Authors: Nicole L Cockayne
Nick Glozier
Sharon L Naismith
Helen Christensen
Bruce Neal
Ian B Hickie
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-11-10

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Internet-based treatment for older adults with depression and co-morbid cardiovascular disease: protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods/Design

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/Design

Discussion

Trial registration

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