An online psycho-educational intervention targeted to individuals with a family history of depression ​

Many individuals with a family history of depression are concerned about their personal risk for depression and report unmet educational and psychological support needs, yet no supportive and/or educational interventions are currently available that target this group of individuals. An online psycho-educational intervention targeted to individuals with a family history of depression (LINKS) has been developed to provide genetic risk information and evidence-rated information on preventive strategies for depression.

The intervention was tested using a cluster randomized controlled trial, with randomization occurring at the GP level. GP practices were randomized to provide either access to the online, targeted psycho-educational intervention or brief generic information about depression (control) to eligible patients. The primary outcome measure was change in ‘intention to adopt, or actual adoption of, risk-reducing strategies’. Secondary outcome measures were 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. Participants completed online questionnaires at two time-points: at baseline, and two weeks post-intervention.

This novel psycho-educational provided individuals with a family history of depression information on evidence-based strategies for the prevention of depression. Analysis of the data has not been finalized but it is hoped that the LINKS website will enable this group of people to make appropriate lifestyle choices and implement behaviors designed to reduce their risk for depression.