Protocol for a randomised controlled trial investigating self-help email messages for sub-threshold depression: The Mood Memos study

Abstract

Background: Sub-threshold depression is common, impairs functioning, and increases the risk of developing major depression. Although psychological treatments have been investigated for sub-threshold depression, they are costly. A less costly alternative could be an educational health promotion campaign about effective self-help for depression symptoms. The aim of the study is to test the efficacy of a low-cost email-based mental health promotion campaign in changing self-help behaviour and preventing more severe depression in adults with sub-threshold depression.Methods/Design: The project is a randomised controlled trial of an automated preventive email-intervention aimed at people with sub..