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MoodHacker Mobile Web App With Email for Adults to Self-Manage Mild-to-Moderate Depression: Randomized Controlled
Amelia J Birney1, Rebecca Gunn, Jeremy K Russell
1ORCAS, Eugene, OR, United States. abirney@orcasinc.com.
JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
|January 28, 2016
Summary
A mobile app using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills, MoodHacker, significantly reduced depression symptoms and improved work absence in employed adults. Effectiveness was greater for those with access to employee assistance programs (EAPs).
Area of Science:
- Digital mental health interventions
- Workplace mental health
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Background:
- Depression is a leading cause of disability and incurs significant economic costs due to lost productivity.
- Many adults with depression do not receive face-to-face treatment, highlighting the need for accessible interventions.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer a potential channel for disseminating mental health support to working adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the MoodHacker mobile web app in treating mild-to-moderate depression among working adults.
- To assess if MoodHacker improves depression symptoms, negative cognitions, behavioral activation, depression knowledge, and workplace functioning.
- To compare the app's efficacy with alternative online resources for depression management.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 300 employed adults with mild-to-moderate depression.
- Participants were assigned to either the MoodHacker intervention or a control group receiving links to depression websites.
- Online surveys assessed depression symptoms, behavioral activation, negative thoughts, and workplace outcomes at baseline, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks.
Main Results:
- The MoodHacker app significantly reduced depression symptoms and improved work absence at 6-week follow-up compared to the control group.
- Significant improvements in depression symptoms, work productivity, and workplace distress were observed for users with EAP access.
- Effects on work absence were maintained at 10-week follow-up for individuals with EAP access.
Conclusions:
- The MoodHacker app demonstrates effectiveness as a light-touch, CBT-based digital intervention for employed adults with depression.
- The intervention shows stronger effects for individuals utilizing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
- Further research should explore strategies to maintain user engagement and potentially integrate app-based support with human guidance.
Keywords:
Internetbehavioral activationcognitive behavioral therapycomputersdepressionmobile appspositive psychologyMore Related Videos
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