Depression Experience Journal

Description:

The Depression Experience Journal is a unique computer-based intervention designed to help families cope with having a child with depression. It is based on narrative therapy and through the establishment of an online community it allows people to find support by connecting with other’s who have had similar experiences to themselves.  It also links the experiences of people with information about childhood depression.  The information includes stories from experts, the experience of families, advice for coping effectively, and a place to share stories about childhood depression with others.  All journal entries are reviewed by an editorial committee comprising professionals and parents.

Service URL:

http://experiencejournal.childrenshospital.org/?cat=22

Agency Responsible:

Children's Hospital Boston Department of Psychiatry.

Details

Format:

Website.

Intervention Type:

Educational (primarily educational material or psychoeducation). Based on Psychoeducation and Narrative Therapy

Course Length:

Long (more than 5 modules). 6 sections

Support Option:

No support.

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Depression.

Target Audiences:

Child and Adult. Families with children with depression

Language:

English.

Access

Fee:

Free.

Access:

Open: No registration required.

Contact Details:

david.demaso@childrens.harvard.edu

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Research RCTs:

0

Outcome Summary:

In a study testing the feasibility and safety of the Depression Experience Journal in primary caretakers of children with depression during psychiatric hospitalisation, it was found that the program was safe and useful.  Results indicated that the program was effective in reducing the social isolation of the participant, increased hope for recovery, and also increased the understanding of feelings about childhood depression in the family.  The site is specifically tailored to helping families cope and it appears to have positive outcomes in this regard.  However, since our ratings refer to the evidence in support of program effectiveness in improving mental health, the evidence base for the Depression Experience Journal is unclear.

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

Read more about Beacon's Smiley Rating System.

Research paper citations

1. Demaso, D.R., Eldridge Marcus, N., Kinnamon, C. & Gonzalez-Heydrich, J. (2006). Depression Experience Journal: A computer-based intervention for families facing childhood depression. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 45, 158-165.