Efficacy of Two Internet Delivered Intervention Programs for Depression: Behavioral Activation vs Physical Activity

Research shows that in 2030 (Mathers and Loncar, 2006) depression will become one of the three leading causes of disability. Depression is a common mental disorder with a negative impact on mental well-being, quality of life, and social and work-related functioning both in the short and longer term.

Additionally, depression is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, health care utilization and health care costs. On a population level, depression is one of the most costly diseases. The economic costs of depression were estimated at €136.3 billion (EU25) in 2010 in the EU and are still rising. European health care systems face the challenge of improving access to cost-effective treatments while simultaneously working to sustain budgetary stability in times of economic austerity.

Internet-based depression treatment appears a very promising alternative to current routine depression treatment strategies. Meta-analyses have demonstrated the clinical effectiveness and potential cost-effectiveness of Internet-based treatment for depression in controlled research setting. Internet-based treatment thus has the potential to keep depression treatment affordable, as it enables mental health care providers to reach out to large populations needing depression treatment at a better cost-effectiveness, but with similar levels of clinical efficacy and quality of care.

In Spain the trial will be carried out in a community sample, comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of BA or PA with WL for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and adjustment disorder with depressive symptomatology. Respondents will be followed until 6 months after baseline (measures will be taken at BL, 3 months, and 6 months).

Inclusion criteria

• Being 18 years of age or older
• Meet DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for MDD and adjustment disorder confirmed by MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview version 5.0 and SCID I
• A score of 5 or higher on the PHQ-9 screening questionnaire.

Exclusion criteria

• Current high risk for suicide according to the MINI Interview section C
• Serious psychiatric co-morbidity: substance dependence, bipolar affective disorder, psychotic illness, obsessive compulsive disorder, as established at the MINI interview
• Currently receiving psychological treatment for depression in primary or specialised mental health care
• Being unable to comprehend the spoken and written language (Spanish)
• Not having access to a PC and fast Internet connection (i.e. broadband or comparable).