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Conventional Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression: A Step-by-Step Protocol

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Self-help strategies that are helpful for sub-threshold depression: a Delphi consensus study.

Amy J Morgan¹, Anthony F Jorm

¹Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Australia.

Journal of Affective Disorders

|September 19, 2008

Summary

This study identified 48 feasible self-help strategies for sub-threshold depression, focusing on lifestyle and psychosocial approaches. Promoting these evidence-based interventions may reduce disability associated with mild depressive symptoms.

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Area of Science:

Mental Health
Psychiatry
Public Health

Background:

Sub-threshold depressive symptoms lead to significant disability.
Self-help strategies are commonly used but their effectiveness is unclear.
Identifying effective and feasible self-help options is crucial for managing mild depression.

Framework:

The Delphi method achieved expert consensus on self-help strategies.
International experts (63 consumers, 34 professionals) participated.
A systematic review informed expert judgments on 282 proposed strategies.

Implementation:

Forty-eight strategies were endorsed by over 80% of consumers and professionals.
Consensus focused on lifestyle and psychosocial interventions.
Strategies rated as helpful but difficult to implement were excluded.

Implications:

Identified feasible self-help strategies for sub-threshold depression.
Further evaluation is needed to assess the public promotion of these strategies.
Potential to reduce the disability burden of mild depressive symptoms.