Efficacy of an Online Self-help Program for Negative Affect and Depression

Body, Breath & Mind - A Randomized Control Trial to Test the Efficacy of an Online Self-help Program for Negative Affect and Depression

The aim of the study is to test Body, breath & mind (BBM, internet-based self-help program) for its efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life. BBM combines methods of value-oriented behavioral activation with exercises from the Chinese healing practice Qi Gong,. BBM will be compared to an active control treatment (moodgym) and a waiting list control group. We expect significant differences to the waiting list control group. In comparison to the active control treatment we expect no significant differences.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All persons who suffer from depressive symptoms (subthreshold and clinical depression; PHQ-9 ≥10)
• German speaking
• Internet and email access

Exclusion Criteria:

• The DSM-defined criteria A9 acute suicidality and A5 psychomotor agitation in the context of a depressive disorder, verified using the Diagnostic Interview in Mental Disorders in form of the Mini-DIPS (Margraf & Cwik, 2017)
• psychotic disorders, verified using the Diagnostic Interview in Mental Disorders in form of the Mini-DIPS (Margraf & Cwik, 2017)
• major depression with psychotic features, verified using the Diagnostic Interview in Mental Disorders in form of the Mini-DIPS (Margraf & Cwik, 2017)
• eating disorders, verified using the Diagnostic Interview in Mental Disorders in form of the Mini-DIPS (Margraf & Cwik, 2017)
• current or past schizo-affective disorder, verified using the Diagnostic Interview in Mental Disorders in form of the Mini-DIPS (Margraf & Cwik, 2017)
• current substance use disorder, verified using the Diagnostic Interview in Mental Disorders in form of the Mini-DIPS (Margraf & Cwik, 2017)
• inability to participate in the program due to physical, practical, or other reasons.