Background:
Previous research has indicated that many self-help and complementary treatments for depression are commonly used and rated highly in terms of their perceived helpfulness. The aim of the current study was to examine the frequency of use, and judged effectiveness, of a range of both professionally implemented strategies (including antidepressants and psychological therapies) and self-help strategies, by those who have ever experienced a depressive episode.
Methods:
Individuals accessing the Web site of the Black Dog Institute (www.blackdoginstitute.org.au) were invited – if they had ever received treatment for an episode of depression – to participate in an anonymous online survey. A total of 2692 participants were asked whether they had ever received any of a set of different treatments for depression, including a range of antidepressants, psychological therapies, electro-convulsive therapy and more alternative strategies. Respondents rated the effectiveness of each strategy trailed.
Results:
‘Effectiveness’ scores were computed for each of 31 strategies (including 15 antidepressant medications) that had been trailed by at least 100 participants. The rank order of the 10 highest rating strategies was as follows: venlafaxine, exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, ‘other psychotherapy’, IPT, esci-talopram, citalopram, yoga/meditation, sertraline and counseling. Ratings identified differential perceived effectiveness of different antidepressants.
Conclusions:
In addition to formal treatments for depression, self-help and alternative strategies are frequently used, and perceived as effective treatments. Consumers' perceptions of the helpfulness of such strategies could be helpful to both professionals and patients considering complementary treatments for depression.
