Dr Shyamala Nada-Raja
A large-scale trial by the University of Otago's Injury Prevention Research Unit (IPRU) is about to begin testing the effectiveness of internet-based treatment programmes.
Lead researcher Dr Shyamala Nada-Raja says the Recovery via Internet from Depression (RID) trial is based on an Australian-developed online programme using cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
"It focuses on people's thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It helps them overcome negative thought patterns and turn them around to more positive ways of dealing with life pressures."
Nada-Raja says one of the unusual things about the trial is that it will be run completely online, from delivering treatment programmes to assessments and follow-ups.
It is hoped at least 700 recruits will be divided into three groups. Those put on the CBT programme will work, at their own pace, through a four-week online programme of exercises and questions.
They will be compared with a second group who will receive help from an online health coach and a third group who will access online information on depression.
The research group will assess each group's depression, anxiety, self-harm, alcohol use and quality of life before and after their programme, as well as at six-monthly assessments over the following two years.
Nada-Raja says the size of the trial is recognition of the size of the depression problem in New Zealand.
"The disabling effect of depression, anxiety and panic attacks is underestimated - it's a leading cause of disability."
The study is part of the IPRU's new $2 million Health Research Council-funded programme, Preventing Injury and Reducing Subsequent Disability Outcomes, which also includes the New Zealand Drivers' Study (NZDS) and the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (POIS).
The NZDS is following a group of newly-licensed drivers as they progress through the graduated driver licensing system, to examine the relationship between factors such as quality and quantity of driving experience, professional instruction, alcohol use and sensation-seeking on outcomes, such as crashes and convictions.
It will also look at outcomes for Mäori drivers, evaluate the impact of training programmes, and examine the role of parents and caregivers as supervisors of newly-licensed-drivers.
The POIS is designed to meet a need for greater information about injured people's outcomes.
It will examine not only the injury, but also the health and social rehabilitation, personal, social and economic factors leading to disability outcomes after injury for a group of 2500 New Zealanders.
The study will include a qualitative component, exploring the experience and perceptions of injury outcomes for a range of sub-groups, including Mäori.
FUNDING
Health Research Council
ACC
NZ Road Safety Trust - New Zealand Drivers' Study