Who can take part in this study?

If you are aged over 18, are currently suffering from depression and are registered with a GP in Camden, Islington, Barnet, Enfield or Haringey, you may be able to take part in the study.  You will also need to have access to a computer (either at home or in a library, Internet cafe or other location) and to be able to read and write in English. 

We regret that people who are not registered with a GP in the London Boroughs of Camden, Islington, Barnet, Enfield or Haringey are not eligible to take part in this study.  If you do not live in one of these boroughs and you would like to take part in research into online support groups for depression, please contact us at louise@onlinedepressionresearch.org. 

What is an online support group?

An online support group is a website on which people post messages to each other, usually offering support, encouragement, advice or information.  People using an online support group can remain anonymous and are able to read messages posted by others as well as writing messages themselves. 

What is the purpose of the study? 

There is some evidence that people with depression who take part in an online support group see an improvement in their symptoms and report feeling less isolated and more empowered.  It is likely that some people who take part in online support groups will find them beneficial, whilst others will not.  The current study aims to examine what are the characteristics of people who benefit most from taking part in online support groups.  This understanding could then be used to help ensure that future treatment options are targeted at those for whom they are most useful.

How many people will be participating?   A total of 85 people will participate in the study.  

If I decide to take part, what will happen to me?

If you agree to take part you will be given details of an online support group for depression and have the opportunity to discuss the process of joining the group and any questions you may have with a trainee clinical psychologist.  You will then be asked to participate in the group as you wish over a period of 10 weeks.  Any treatment you are already having through the NHS will continue during this time.  You will be asked to complete some questionnaires at the beginning of the study about your thoughts and feelings.  This will take about twenty minutes. 

  You will receive an email each week from the research team and will be asked to reply giving details about how often you have used the support group in the previous week.  At the end of the study, you will be asked to complete some of the questionnaires again.  Some of the people taking part will be invited to talk to the researcher about their experiences of using the support group.  These interviews will last approximately 30 minutes and will be recorded.

How long would my involvement with the study last?

If you decide to take part, you would be involved with the study for 10-14 weeks.  However, you would be able to carry on using the online support group after the study has ended, if you wish.

Would I get paid for taking part in this research?

Unfortunately, we are unable to pay people for taking part in this research, however, you will be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred when travelling to meetings with the researcher.

If I'm interested in taking part, what should I do?

First you need to click here to contact the research team.  If we decide that you are eligible to take part in the study we will give you more detailed information about the study and ask you to sign a consent form.  You may have questions or concerns at this stage and we are very happy to talk these through with you.  You will then need to complete two sets of questionnaires, one at the beginning and one at the end of the study.  You will also be asked to register with an online support group (we can help you with this if you feel you need support) and to let us know by replying to a weekly email how often you use it.