A Computerized Intervention for Depression

An interactive multimedia computer-based treatment program was developed to provide an
electronic version of problem solving therapy for depression (imbPST). The program was
entirely automated and did not require the involvement of a live clinician, even though it
was designed to provide a "virtual therapy" experience that feels more like interacting with
a person than with a computer. The imbPST program was built to help individuals who did not
have access to traditional therapy due the living conditions or individual preferences (e.g.
rural, poor and persons desiring privacy or with significant time constraints). This
computer-based treatment of depression offered several advantages. It can be used anywhere
without a therapist present, and offered a standardized and consistent therapeutic approach.

The aim of this study is to reduce symptoms of depression in subjects through the use of a
new, electronic Problem Solving Treatment (imbPST). Adult participants with moderate to
severe depression symptoms are randomly assigned to either treatment or a wait-list
condition. The Beck Depression Inventory-II was used as the primary outcome measure

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.

2. Present symptoms from the following criteria based on the Diagnostic & Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR): Major Depressive Episode,
Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition and/or Adjustment Disorder with
Depressed Mood.

3. Depression must be the primary diagnosis and not occur secondary to any another
diagnosis such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), social phobia, or
complicated bereavement, though comorbid diagnoses (e.g., anxiety disorders and PTSD)
will not be exclusionary unless they are primary, except as specified below.

4. Not receiving psychological treatment (e.g., face to face) at the time of the study.

5. Not currently be receiving Problem Solving Treatment in any other context.

6. Not reporting/reported suicidal attempts in the year prior to their participation in
the study.

7. Be able to write and speak English according to Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in
Medicine (REALM test scores)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current suicidal ideation, history of suicidal attempts or self-injurious behavior at
any point during the protocol.

2. Have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, with psychosis, other
disorder with psychotic symptoms, and/or brain injuries that includes loss of
consciousness > 15 minutes and / post-traumatic amnesia of any duration.

3. Any history of treatment with anti-psychotic medication.

4. A felony conviction.

5. Any current or recent (i.e. within the previous 6 months) substance abuse/dependence
diagnosis (other than nicotine or caffeine).

6. Current psychological treatment (e.g., face to face).