A randomised controlled trial to evaluate online memory specificity training for the treatment of depression

INTERVENTION: The online Memory Specificity Training program (e‐MeST) comprises 11 modules based on content from validated methods of improving the retrieval of specific autobiographical memories (memories of events that occurred within a specific day and place in someone's life) and reducing depressive symptoms. Initially, the aims, rationale, structure, and process of the intervention are presented to participants. In each module participants are provided with examples of specific memories. They are then provided with a series of cue words and sentences and asked to retrieve memories from their past relating to these cues. These include positive, neutral, and negatively‐themed cue words (e.g., proud, sorrow, table), as well as prompt questions to elicit memories. Participants’ responses are fed into an algorithm which has been tuned to identify whether the participants response is a specific memory or not. Feedback is then given to help participants learn how to correctly retrieve specific memories. There is no limit to how long participants can take to complete the modules, although previous pilot research has shown they take approx. between 10 and 45 minutes each. To assess adherence to the training program protocol, the researchers will have information about how many modules were completed and how much time they took to complete . Once baseline assessment is complete the participants will have a total of two weeks to access and complete the modules at their leisure. Following this they will no longer be able to access the training program. The training program is fully online and automated and does not require therapist guidance, although the participants will be able to contact the researchers if they encounter any issues while using the training program. Participants can complete the training program anywhere that they can access the internet. CONDITION: Depression PRIMARY OUTCOME: Incidence of Major Depression as assessed by the e‐PASS system, an online, automated, self‐report diagnostic tool for mental health disorders Mean change in the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) SECONDARY OUTCOME: Changes in autobiographical memory specificity, as assessed with scores on the Autobiographical Memory Test Changes in episodic future thinking specificity, as assessed with scores on the Episodic Future Thinking Test Cognitive avoidance, as assessed with mean change on the White Bear Suppression Inventory Mean change in Problem‐Solving as assessed by the Means‐End Problem‐Solving Task ; Mean change in scores on suicidal ideation, as measured by the Suicidal Ideation Ideation Attributes Scale Mean change in Self‐Efficacy as assessed by the New General Self‐Efficacy Scale Mean change on the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 scale Mean change on the Ruminative Responses Scale ; Verbal Fluency, as assessed by mean change on the Controlled Word Association Test INCLUSION CRITERIA: (i) greater than or equal to 18 years (ii) residing in Australia (iii) fluent in English (iv) a current diagnosis of a Major Depressive Episode as assessed using the automated electronic Psychological Assessment (e‐PASS) (v) a score on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) of at least 10 (vi) internet access in the home.