Promoting Help-seeking using E-technology for ADolescents with mental health problems: study protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Adolescent Psychology
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Youth (14-25 years) experience high rates of mental health issues and onset of conditions.
• Only 25% of adolescents with mental health problems receive professional treatment.
• Low help-seeking behavior in youth is linked to perceived need, structural barriers, and stigma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of an Internet-based intervention in increasing professional help-seeking among adolescents with mental health problems.
• To overcome limitations in previous research through a randomized controlled trial with large-scale, school-based sampling.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center, randomized controlled trial involving approximately 1,500 adolescents (aged 12+) from a school-based sample of 15,000 pupils in Germany.
• Participants are randomized to an intervention group (ProHEAD online) or a control group.
• The intervention group receives online access to tailored information, peer interaction, and counseling; the control group receives basic information and recommendations.

Main Results:

• The primary endpoint is the number of adolescents seeking conventional face-to-face professional help within one year post-screening.
• Data will be collected via questionnaires at baseline, during the intervention, and at 1 and 2-year follow-ups.

Conclusions:

• The trial aims to determine if an Internet-based intervention can effectively increase professional help-seeking in adolescents.
• Successful intervention could narrow the treatment gap and improve mental healthcare for young people.
• The study's design seeks to address shortcomings of prior research in this area.