The study presents findings from a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effects of text messages encouraging short emotion regulation exercises on the course of psychopathological symptoms after inpatient treatment for depression. In this context, the study also compares the effectiveness of standardized versus personalized text messages.
Introduction: The importance of aftercare and maintenance intervention to reduce psychopathology, prevent relapses and stabilize the effects of inpatient cognitive behavioral therapy is well proven. In order to attain a high reachability rate among the patients, simple, quick and low cost methods should be used. Modern communication technologies, such as mobile phones provide this opportunity. Therefore, the current study explores how modern communication technologies can be used as a support system in psychotherapy to realize a reduced psychopathology. Methods: A total of 150 patients participated in a transdiagnostical 6-weeks text messaging maintenance intervention. The text messages were based on emotion regulation skills. The effectiveness of different variants of the text messages was studied in a randomized controlled trial, comparing the impact on the patient's psychopathological outcome to receiving personalized text messages versus standardized text messages.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
180
Messages consist of relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises as well as emotion regulation strategies
Patients write their own messages
Messages consist of relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises as well as emotion regulation strategies which are send to the patients 10 weeks after completing inpatient therapy
Schön Klinik
Bad Arolsen, Hesse, Germany
Depressive Symptom load
Measurement of depressive symptom severity with Beck Depression Inventory
Time frame: 6 weeks post treatment (after intervention)
Emotion Regulation Competence
Emotion Regulation Competence measured by SERSA
Time frame: 6 weeks post treatment (after intervention)
Psychopathological symptomatology
Measurement of psychopathological symptomatology with self report questionnaires
Time frame: 10 weeks Follow-Up
Depressive Symptom load
Measurement of depressive symptom severity with Beck Depression Inventory
Time frame: 10 weeks Follow-Up
Emotion Regulation Competence
Emotion Regulation Competence measured by SERSA
Time frame: 10 weeks follow up
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