Deprexis for Veteran Depression: Open-Label Pilot Trial Examining Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Military and Veteran Health

Background:

• Depression is a leading cause of disability in the US, with high prevalence among military veterans.
• A significant treatment gap exists for veterans with depression, with nearly 50% not receiving care.
• Internet-based interventions offer a promising solution to bridge this gap, yet standardized options for veterans are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Deprexis, a self-guided internet-based intervention for depression.
• To assess the preliminary effectiveness of Deprexis in US military veterans experiencing mild to severe depressive symptoms.

Main Methods:

• An open-label pilot trial involving 19 US military veterans with mild to severe depression.
• Participants underwent an 8-week course of the Deprexis intervention, with assessments at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.
• Outcomes measured included depressive symptoms (QIDS-SR), functional disability (WHO DAS 2.0), and symptom-related disability (SDS); feasibility and acceptability were also assessed.

Main Results:

• Recruitment and retention targets were met, with 79% adherence to the intervention.
• Deprexis demonstrated positive acceptability ratings, with most participants satisfied with the service.
• Significant reductions in depressive symptoms and improvements in functioning were observed at follow-up, with moderate-to-large effect sizes.

Conclusions:

• Deprexis is a feasible and acceptable internet-based intervention for veterans with depression.
• Preliminary findings suggest effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms and improving functioning.
• The study provides a strong foundation for further research, including ongoing randomized controlled trials.