Applications of text messaging, and bibliotherapy for treatment of patients affected by depressive symptoms

Abstract

Background:Intensity of depressive symptoms could be exacerbated due to the paucity of appropriate treatments. We assessed the effectiveness of bibliotherapy and text messaging, which aimed at amelioration of patient's behavior and consciousness, which could lead to suicide prevention.Methods:This was a randomized clinical trial implemented in rural health centers of Isfahan district (Iran). Health centers were assigned in three trials consisting of the booklet, text messaging, and control groups. Each group consisted of 70 patients. Inclusion criteria were being affected by depressive symptom, <18 years, and cell phone accessibility. Mental retardation, drug and alcohol abuse, visual disability, dementia, suicide attempt history, electrotherapy, and receiving psychological interventions were our not met criteria. Our patient outcomes comprised intensity of depressive symptom and treatment compliance. The first two trials were requested to study instructive booklets in 30 days while the second cohort was demanded to study the booklet in accordance with the daily delivered text messaging.Results:Out of 210 individuals, 198 patients finished this study. The intensity of depressive symptom was significantly affected through time and group factors as well as time-group interaction (F = 12.30, P < 0.001). Based on treatment compliance, the interactive effect of group factor and the time factor was statistically significant.Conclusions:It seems that bibliotherapy could efficiently decrease the intensity of depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, in comparison with our booklet trial, the text messaging group achieved neither durable nor significant success; thus, bibliotherapy could be utilized as a complementary methodology aiming depression treatment.

Digital technology for treating and preventing mental disorders in low-income and middle-income countries: a narrative review of the literature

“…33 In two randomised controlled trials 34,35 from China, SMS text-messaging support and online psychoeducation were effective for improving medication adherence and preventing relapse among patients with schizophrenia. In a randomised trial 36 from Iran, daily SMS text-messages encouraged the use of a paper booklet for depression treatment among individuals from rural areas, although reduction in depressive symptoms did not differ compared with use of the paper booklet alone. In Sri Lanka, the combination of encouragement of SMS text-message reminders and supportive telephone calls reduced suicidal ideation and depression for individuals after a suicide attempt.…”

Randomized controlled pilot trial of supportive text messages for patients with depression

“…Text messages tended to be more highly correlated with symptom reduction than email messages - although the difference was not statistically significant [ 28 ]. Text messages have been also used, for various purposes, in other depression studies: to cost-effectivly screen at-risk persons for depression [ 29 ], to send reminders to complete psychotherapeutic homework [ 30 – 35 ], and to collect data on the changes in the depressive mood or other clinical variables during treatment [ 28 , 30 , 34 , 36 – 38 ].…”

Prevalence, Barriers, and Interventions related to Medication Adherence Among Patients Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder: A Scoping Review

“…Moreover, the selected studies used various data sources; the majority obtained from patients (n=21), and direct methods were not used in the included studies. As previously mentioned the variation of the prevalence of medication adherence, the rate of adherence as assessed by using self-reported, claims database/refill data, pill count, health provider's report (self-report, patient record) ranged from 10.6% to 81%, 19,[21][22][23]34,[46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62] 10% to 62.9%, 25,34,63-70 45%, 71,72 and 69.2% to 85.4%, 34,58 respectively. The most common included studies utilized standardized and structured data collection tool, and structured interviews to measure adherence.…”

“…64 By using different self-reported assessment methods, medication adherence was related significantly to income, 56,57 level of education. 52,57 Regarding living conditions, Yau et al 25 noted that the type of accommodation associated with noncontinuous use of AD medications. Patients whose accommodation in public housing property that reflects low socioeconomic status was related to noncontinuous use of AD medications.…”

“…60 Lack of family support and the nature of the job stated the reasons for nonadherence. 57,65 Studies conducted in different contexts reported that lack of support from family members, spouses, and friends was found barriers from delayed initiating AD medication and continuing it. 24,73 Also, Ho et al 24 and Vargas et al 74 noted that social-cultural stigma influences on adherence, which stigmatizing views held by others in patients' social circle were depression is a sign of madness and negative personal characteristics.…”