Email-based promotion of self-help for subthreshold depression: Mood Memos randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Subthreshold depression is common, impairs functioning and increases the risk of major depression. Improving self-help coping strategies could help subthreshold depression and prevent major depression. Aims: To test the effectiveness of an automated email-based campaign promoting self-help behaviours.Method: A randomised controlled trial was conducted through the website: www.moodmemos.com. Participants received automated emails twice weekly for 6 weeks containing advice about self-help strategies. Emails containing general information about depression served as a control. The principal outcome was depression symptom level on the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (tr..