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Published in: Trials 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Study protocol

The InterHerz project - a web-based psychological treatment for cardiac patients with depression: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Nadine Messerli-Bürgy, Jürgen Barth, Thomas Berger

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

Patients with heart disease often suffer from difficulties in psychological adaptation during cardiac rehabilitation. Mood disorders such as depression are known to be highly prevalent in cardiac patients and to have a negative impact on the progression of coronary heart disease. However, cardiac patients have difficulties to get psychological treatments due to low availability and motivational difficulties. Web-based interventions have been proven to be effective in treating depressive symptoms. Deprexis is a promising web-based psychological treatment which was devised for depressed patients. The aim of the study InterHerz is to examine if Deprexis is an effective psychological treatment to reduce stress and depression in cardiac patients.

Methods/Design

The sample will consist of 80 depressed patients randomized to an intervention group or a waitlist (10 weeks). Patients are recruited via cardiologists, cardiac rehabilitation units and the website of the Swiss Heart Foundation. Patients have access to a guided self-help program in which they work themselves through several modules and receive feedback from a clinical psychologist. Pre- and post-assessments, and a six-month follow-up, are conducted using online questionnaires and diagnostic interviews.

Discussion

Deprexis is a new web-based treatment which has the potential to help depressed cardiac patients with limited access to psychological treatment to increase their mental health.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN45945396
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
The InterHerz project - a web-based psychological treatment for cardiac patients with depression: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Nadine Messerli-Bürgy
Jürgen Barth
Thomas Berger
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-13-245

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