Uplift website for depression: feasibility study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Self-help ‘Uplift’ website for depression: a feasibility study of a website using principles of positive psychology for people with symptoms of depression
IRAS ID
205690
Contact name
Sophie Walsh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East London NHS Foundation Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN96366571
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
32122, ISRCTN is awaiting editorial approval
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Depression affects people in different ways including feeling hopeless and losing interest in activities. It is one of the most common mental health conditions but available treatments meet just 15% of the need. Many people are on treatment waiting lists, have dropped out of treatment, or do not meet the threshold to access services. This is a problem because without help symptoms of depression can get worse. There is a need for flexible, easily accessible support for people with symptoms of depression. \n\nThe current study aims to find out how acceptable and feasible a website for people with depression is. The website uses ideas from positive psychology, which suggests that depression can be improved by promoting positive emotions, use of personal strengths and a sense of meaning and connection with others. It gives people chance to practice these activities as a way to improve depression and wellbeing.\n\nPeople identifying as depressed, who can regularly access the Internet, will be invited to take part. They can choose from six activities to practice, over six weeks. Some activities focus on strengths, including taking a short questionnaire to find out strengths, seeing examples of how to apply these in daily life, and how to use these to connect with others. Other activities focus on enjoying life’s day-to-day offerings by listing good things that happen, and enjoying physical sensations. Some activities focus on connecting with others by offering conversation starters and ways to thank others. The website is not intended to replace existing treatments but designed to work alongside these.\n\nTo find out who uses the website and what they think of it, people will complete a short questionnaire online before they start and at the end. Some people will be invited to give more detailed feedback in an in-person interview.\n
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0447
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion