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Efficacy of a psychological online intervention for depression in people with epilepsy: A randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Schröder Johanna,
Brückner Katja,
Fischer Anja,
Lindenau Matthias,
Köther Ulf,
Vettorazzi Eik,
Moritz Steffen
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/epi.12833
Subject(s) - randomized controlled trial , beck depression inventory , depression (economics) , epilepsy , quality of life (healthcare) , psychological intervention , psychology , psychiatry , major depressive disorder , intervention (counseling) , clinical psychology , medicine , anxiety , psychotherapist , cognition , economics , macroeconomics
Summary Objective Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in persons with epilepsy ( PWE s). Despite its major impact on quality of life and risk of suicide, most PWE s are not treated for depression. A current challenge in mental health care is how to close this treatment gap and increase access to psychological services. Psychological online interventions ( POI s) have shown efficacy in improving depression among individuals without neurologic disorders. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a psychological online intervention for depression (Deprexis) in PWE s who have symptoms of depression. Methods Participants with self‐reported epilepsy and subjective complaints of depressive symptoms were randomized to an intervention condition (Deprexis) or to a waiting list control ( WLC ) condition. After 9 weeks, participants were invited to complete an online reassessment. Results Relative to the waiting list group, program users experienced a significant symptom decline on the Beck Depression Inventory ‐ I ( BDI ‐I, primary outcome) with a moderate effect size in the complete observations analysis and a small effect size in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement with a moderate effect size on the “energy/fatigue” subscale of the Quality of Life In Epilepsy Inventory ‐ 31 ( QOLIE ‐31). Significance The results of this trial suggest that POI s may be a feasible and beneficial tool for PWE s who have comorbid depressive symptoms.