Pilot randomized controlled trial of a video self-help intervention for depression based on acceptance and commitment...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Primary care settings require cost-effective interventions for depression management.
• Stepped-care models necessitate low-intensity treatment options.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles can be adapted for self-help interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a video self-help intervention (LifeStories) based on ACT for primary care patients with depression.
• To explore potential clinical effects and user engagement with the LifeStories intervention.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on depression symptoms and psychological flexibility.

Main Methods:

• A pilot, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Participants received either the LifeStories video intervention or an attention-matched control for 4 weeks.
• Feasibility, acceptability, engagement (transportation), depression symptoms, and psychological flexibility were assessed.

Main Results:

• Qualitative feedback indicated LifeStories was engaging and effectively transmitted ACT principles.
• Participants using LifeStories reported higher immersion in the videos compared to the control group.
• Both groups showed significant improvements in depression symptoms at 12-week follow-up, with no significant differences between groups.

Conclusions:

• The LifeStories intervention is a feasible and acceptable option for primary care patients experiencing depression.
• Further research is warranted to confirm its effectiveness within a stepped-care model for depression.
• The intervention shows promise for improving depression and psychological flexibility, warranting larger powered trials.