e-Learning for Anxiety and Depression

Overseen By Ayers

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McMaster University

Disqualifiers: Lives outside Canada, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how online learning can improve understanding and reduce stigma around anxiety and depression. Researchers will assign participants to different groups to use specific e-learning tools related to either anxiety or depression, such as Anxiety e-Learning A, Anxiety e-Learning B, Depression e-Learning A, or Depression e-Learning B. At the study's conclusion, all participants will gain access to all the learning materials. This trial suits individuals living in Canada who are 45 or older, speak English well, and are comfortable using the internet and email. As an unphased trial, it offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental health education.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that e-learning programs for anxiety and depression are generally safe. These programs teach skills and knowledge to help manage mental health conditions. Unlike medications or medical treatments, e-learning doesn't involve taking drugs or undergoing medical procedures, making it less likely to cause physical side effects.

Studies have found that online learning can sometimes be stressful, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this stress usually stems from adapting to the online format, not the content itself. While e-learning might cause anxiety about learning in a new way, it doesn’t impact physical health.

Overall, e-learning for mental health is considered manageable. It aims to improve understanding of mental health and reduce stigma, which are positive goals. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the e-Learning programs for anxiety and depression because they offer a new, accessible approach to managing these conditions. Unlike traditional treatments that often involve medication or face-to-face therapy, these e-Learning tools provide a flexible, online method that individuals can access from anywhere. This approach could significantly reduce barriers such as cost, travel, and scheduling, making mental health support more widely available. Additionally, these programs might offer personalized strategies that adapt to the user's progress, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes.

What evidence suggests that this trial's e-learning treatments could be effective for anxiety and depression?

Research has shown that online learning can positively affect mental health, particularly for anxiety and depression. This trial will evaluate different e-Learning programs for these conditions. Studies have found that digital mental health programs effectively improve symptoms of both conditions. Specifically, online learning has been linked to lower anxiety levels among students. For depression, digital tools, such as internet-based therapy, have effectively reduced symptoms. Overall, evidence supports that online learning methods can help manage these mental health issues. Participants in this trial will be assigned to one of the e-Learning programs specifically designed for either anxiety or depression. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals over 45 living in Canada who are comfortable with email and the internet, have high-speed internet access, and a good command of English. It's aimed at those experiencing depression or anxiety.

Inclusion Criteria

I live in Canada.

I speak and understand English well.

I have access to email and high-speed internet.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants are randomized to one of four e-learning groups focusing on mental health literacy and stigma related to anxiety and depression

4 weeks

Online participation

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in mental health literacy and stigma after the e-learning intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Anxiety e-Learning A
• Anxiety e-Learning B
• Depression e-Learning A
• Depression e-Learning B

Trial Overview

The study examines the effectiveness of four e-learning programs designed to improve mental health literacy and reduce stigma around depression and anxiety. Participants will be randomly assigned to one program but will get access to all after the study ends.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Depression e-Learning B Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Depression e-Learning A Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group III: Anxiety e-Learning B Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group IV: Anxiety e-Learning A Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

E-health resources for anxiety and depression in Australia provide valuable information, management interventions, and peer support, which can complement traditional psychological services.

Research shows that online symptom prevention and management programs are effective for adults, and early evaluations for children and adolescents are promising, highlighting the potential of these resources in clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anxiety and depression - online resources and management tools. Reynolds, J., Griffiths, K., Christensen, H.[2011]

An interactive online education program for oncology staff improved communication and confidence in screening for anxiety and depression, but actual uptake was low at only 7% during the trial, indicating challenges in real-world implementation.

Despite the training being well-received in pilot tests, factors like competing demands and the online format hindered participation, suggesting that a combination of training methods may be necessary to enhance engagement and effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development, acceptability and uptake of an on-line communication skills education program targeting challenging conversations for oncology health professionals related to identifying and responding to anxiety and depression. Shaw, J., Allison, K., Cuddy, J., et al.[2022]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9033630/

E-learning intention of students with anxiety - PubMed Central

This study takes a lead to investigate whether and how general anxiety will influence college students' e-learning intention.

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11319893/

Learning Outcomes of e-Learning in Psychotherapy Training ...

E-Learning was associated with positive changes in these outcomes in training programs for perinatal mental health assessment and empathic communication [33], ...

3.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032722004657

Evidence from the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in China

This study takes a lead to investigate whether and how general anxiety will influence college students' e-learning intention.

4.

journals.lww.com

journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2023/07280/effectiveness_of_rational_emotive_behavior.59.aspx

Effectiveness of rational emotive behavior education ...

The ANOVA results showed that rational emotive behavior education significantly decreased teachers computer anxiety.

5.

jphe.amegroups.org

jphe.amegroups.org/article/view/9015/html

E-learning during COVID-19 and anxiety levels among ...

This review found studies that identified an association between e-learning and anxiety levels among university students.

6.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9152265/

Mental Health Conditions Among E-Learning Students ...

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the level of perceived stress during e-learning among Polish students.

7.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763424004524

Fear and safety learning in anxiety- and stress-related ...

These findings imply that individuals with anxiety and stress-related disorders may exhibit amplified responses to safety cues and stronger reactions to threat ...

8.

bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com

bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-022-00897-3

Depression and anxiety among online learning students ...

In this context, evaluating the impact of online learning on students' mental health in different cultural backgrounds can provide data to help ...

9.

files.eric.ed.gov

files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1353926.pdf

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning

The results showed that students' anxiety, in some factors, affected their conceptual understanding of the electric circuits in both groups.

10.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9051956/

Examining anxiety and stress regarding virtual learning in ...

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and stress regarding virtual learning among health sciences college students.