Internet-based Program for Prevention and Early Intervention of Adolescent Depression

Efficacy of a Stepped Internet-based Program for Prevention and Early Intervention of Depression in Adolescents

Background: Depression is prevalent and can have devastating effects on the life of adolescents. Computerized intervention programs for depression have shown positive results. There is less evidence in prevention and early treatment for depression in Latin American adolescents.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether a stepped internet-based program is effective to prevent and early intervene depression in adolescents attending 9th to 11th grade in eight schools in Santiago, Chile.

Study design: A two-arm cluster-randomized clinical trial will be carried out with approximately 600 adolescents.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Attending from ninth grade to eleventh grade in the eight participating schools.
• Informed consent and informed assent.
• Score in the depression questionnaire PHQ-9 adolescent version between 5 and 14.

Exclusion Criteria:

• High suicide risk defined by score in question 9 of the PHQ-9 adolescent version of 2 or more.
• Current treatment with antidepressant drugs.
• Current treatment with psychotherapy.