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HARMON-E group-based online trial for people living with depression or bipolar disorder

Researchers at the Food and Mood Centre at Deakin University are looking for volunteers to participate in the HARMON-E trial that aims to compare the effectiveness of two mental health programs for improving depressive symptoms. One program is run by allied health professionals and the other by registered psychologists.

  • Mental and behavioural health

Study Purpose/Description

The HARMON-E study is a group-based, telehealth clinical trial designed to support positive lifestyle changes to improve mental health for adults who are living with depression or bipolar disorder. HARMON-E is based on well-established evidence for lifestyle interventions as effective strategies for improving depressive symptoms and common associated physical health conditions.

The trial aims to determine whether a lifestyle-based approach to mental health care is as good as psychotherapy for reducing symptoms of depression.

What’s involved?

Participants are randomly allocated into one of two programs: 1) led by allied health professionals and 2) led by registered psychologists. Each program is 8 weeks long and will measure changes in depressive symptoms over this period and compare them between the two groups.

Participants will be asked to:

  • Join one 30-minute one-on-one introductory session with their interventionist via video call (Zoom)
  • Join six 90-minute mental health sessions via video call with a group of up to 9 other people (the same group each time)
  • Answer questions in 3 one-on-one interviews over zoom about their health and wellbeing
  • Make 2 visits to their local pathology collection centre to have a blood test and their height and weight measured
  • Collect 2 stool samples at home

In total, this study will involve approximately 12.5 contact hours, from the introductory session, through to the week 8 follow up interview.

Want to learn more?

Recruitment criteria

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are:

  • Aged 18 and over, and
  • Living with depression or bipolar disorder

Benefits

All participants in this study will be given gift cards after pathology collection: two to the value of $10 each (total $20) to help with transport fees to visit their local pathology collection centre. All participants will receive a gift hamper or grocery voucher to the value of $50 to help engage with the program. After completion of a 6-month questionnaire they will also receive a free gift up to the value of $20.

Study sponsor / funder

Study by Deakin University

Research team contacts

harmone@deakin.edu.au

03 5227 2380

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