At a glance
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Feasibility, Efficacy, and Perceptions of an Online Writing Intervention in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Multi-methods Study
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Expressive writing for Major Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Completed, enrolled 63 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The goal of this trial is to examine the feasibility of administering an online writing intervention to patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, and whether this intervention impacts symptoms of depression. It also examines the impact of the intervention on symptoms of anxiety, personal functioning, and perceived problem complexity, and how participants experience the intervention. The main questions the trial aims to answer are: Will participants randomized to the online writing intervention complete at least three sessions? Is the writing intervention associated with a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, perceived problem complexity, and/or an improvement in personal functioning? What are participants' perceptions of the online writing intervention, including both positive and negative experiences? Participants will: Complete four sessions of an online writing intervention or no writing intervention over the course of one week Complete questionnaires before and after the intervention, and at a one-month follow-up Complete qualitative interviews probing into their experiences with the intervention
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Participants are asked to complete four 20-minute sessions of a writing task on consecutive days, which is sent to their email address via an online link. Participants are instructed "for the next 20 minutes to please use the provided box to write their very deepest thoughts and feelings about a negative issue or personal problem that they are currently being affected by. In their writing, they are encouraged to let go and explore their emotions and thoughts regarding this issue or problem, and to not worry about spelling or grammar. They are asked to consider setting a timer or have a clock handy to make sure they write for 20 minutes." Instructions are accompanied by a text box, which allows participants to write freely for the allotted time.