Online Peer Networked Collaborative Learning for Managing Depressive Symptoms

Inclusion Criteria:

- PHQ-9 of 10 or higher.

- Has a DSM-IV diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode assessed using the Quick Inventory
of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS).

- Has a telephone, e-mail account, computer, and broadband access to the Internet.

- Is able to speak and read English.

- Is at least 19 years of age.

- Is able to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Has hearing or voice impairment that would prevent participation in psychotherapy

- Has visual impairment that would prevent use of the workbook and completion of
assessment materials.

- Is diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, dissociative disorder,
current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), current substance abuse, or other
diagnosis for which participation in a clinical trial of psychotherapy may be either
inappropriate or dangerous. Patients with substance abuse diagnoses who have been
clean and sober for 3 months will be admitted if otherwise eligible.

- Is currently receiving individual psychotherapy or planning to receive psychotherapy
during the 10-week treatment phase of the study (social networking site only)

- Is planning to be out of town or unavailable for treatment for 4 weeks or more during
the scheduled treatment time.

- Exhibits severe suicidality, including ideation, plan, and intent.

- Has initiated treatment with an antidepressant in past 10 days. Once patients have
been on a stable dose for 10 days and do not have an appointment with a physician or
psychiatrist to change this dose, the patient will be eligible based on this
criterion (social networking site only).