An RMIT University study is looking for participants to help test an online group therapy program to treat depression.
Around one million Australian adults live with depression each year, but fewer than half will seek medical treatment.
Although online one-on-one therapy programs exist, this study represents the first time structured group therapy for depression has been conducted via the internet.
Ms Arrow said the online program aimed to decrease depression and increase quality of life for participants.
"Social isolation can have a big impact on people suffering depression," she said.
"By encouraging participants to talk about their experiences with their peers, we can re-engage them with the community and reduce their isolation."
Ms Arrow said online interventions could promote access to psychological care in rural and remote regions, with those based in cities almost twice as likely to access care as those in remote areas.
She is looking to recruit Australian-based adults suffering depression to take part in a nine-week trial of the MoodGroup program.
Participants will be required to meet online for two hours each week and complete homework tasks lasting around two hours.
Discussion groups will include eight participants and will be monitored by provisional clinical psychologists.
To take part in the study, participants will need to have access to the internet and complete an online survey to determine suitability.
Anyone interested in contributing to this study can find out more by visiting the MoodGroup program web page or by calling (03) 9925 7776.
The project is supervised by Associate Professor Andrea Chester and Dr Keong Yap.
For interviews: Kerry Arrow, 0452 466 448.
For general media enquiries: Alan Gill, RMIT Science, Engineering and Health Communications, (03) 9925 9772 or 0419 591 102.
(source)
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