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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Study protocol

Cluster randomized controlled trial of a psycho-educational intervention for people with a family history of depression for use in general practice

Authors: Bettina Meiser, Peter R Schofield, Lyndal Trevena, Alex Wilde, Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Judy Proudfoot, Michelle Peate, Timothy Dobbins, Helen Christensen, Kerry A Sherman, Janan Karatas, Philip B Mitchell

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

The strongest risk factor for depression is having a family history of the condition. Many individuals with a family history of depression are concerned about their personal risk for depression and report unmet educational and psychological support needs. No supportive and/or educational interventions are currently available that target this group of individuals. In this study we will develop and evaluate the first online psycho-educational intervention targeted to individuals with a family history of depression. Genetic risk information and evidence-rated information on preventive strategies for depression will be provided to such individuals in a general practice setting. The intervention will also incorporate a risk assessment tool. The content and delivery of the intervention will be pilot-tested.

Methods/design

The proposed intervention will be evaluated in the general practitioner (GPs) setting, using a cluster randomized controlled trial. GP practices will be randomized to provide either access to the online, targeted psycho-educational intervention or brief generic information about depression (control) to eligible patients. Eligibility criteria include having at least one first-degree relative with either major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD). The primary outcome measure is 'intention to adopt, or actual adoption of, risk-reducing strategies’. Secondary outcome measures include: depression symptoms, perceived stigma of depression, knowledge of risk factors for development of depression and risk-reducing strategies, and perceived risk of developing depression or having a recurrence of family history. Over the course of the study, participants will complete online questionnaires at three time points: at baseline, and two weeks and six months after receiving the intervention or control condition.

Discussion

This novel psycho-educational intervention will provide individuals with a family history of depression with information on evidence-based strategies for the prevention of depression, thus, we hypothesize, enabling them to make appropriate lifestyle choices and implement behaviors designed to reduce their risk for depression. The online psycho-educational intervention will also provide a model for similar interventions aimed at individuals at increased familial risk for other psychiatric disorders.

Trial registration

The study is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Group (Registration no: ACTRN12613000402​741).
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Cluster randomized controlled trial of a psycho-educational intervention for people with a family history of depression for use in general practice
Authors
Bettina Meiser
Peter R Schofield
Lyndal Trevena
Alex Wilde
Kristine Barlow-Stewart
Judy Proudfoot
Michelle Peate
Timothy Dobbins
Helen Christensen
Kerry A Sherman
Janan Karatas
Philip B Mitchell
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-325

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