Development and Pilot Testing of an Internet-Based Self-Help Intervention for Depression for Indian Users

Area of Science:

• Digital mental health interventions
• Technology adoption in healthcare
• Psychological well-being research

Background:

• Limited research exists on mental health app usage in India.
• Global trend towards integrating technology in mental health care.
• Growing need for accessible depression interventions in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and pilot testing of PUSH-D, a self-help app for depression.
• To evaluate the efficacy of PUSH-D in urban Indian adults.
• To assess the app's potential in bridging the depression treatment gap.

Main Methods:

• Development of a guided self-help app, PUSH-D, integrating CBT, IPT, supportive psychotherapy, and positive psychology.
• Pilot testing using a single-group pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design.
• Inclusion of 78 young adults with depression or dysthymia, many new to mental health services.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in depression symptoms observed post-intervention.
• Improvements in functioning and well-being were noted on standardized measures.
• Sustained benefits at follow-up, with similar outcomes for partial completers.

Conclusions:

• PUSH-D is among the first indigenous self-help apps for depression in India.
• The app demonstrates potential for reducing the treatment gap for depression.
• Findings support the utility of guided self-help apps for mental health in India.