Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Fathers With Postnatal Depression: Randomized Controlled Trial of DadBooster

Vollständiger Abstract

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Abstract Background Up to 1 in 10 fathers experience postnatal depression. Fathers are less likely to seek help and receive adequate treatment than depressed mothers. Digital treatments hold significant potential for engaging and supporting fathers, but no effective program exists. Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of an online cognitive behavioral therapy program, DadBooster, for treating postnatal depression in fathers. Methods A parallel, 2-group randomized controlled trial (N=50) was conducted to test the superiority of DadBooster over waitlist control who received routine care. Randomization was computer-generated, with allocation concealment maintained through central, computer-automated administration. Participating fathers were aged 18 years or older, had a baby younger than 12 months, had a depression diagnosis using the Quick Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (QuickSCID-5), were not receiving depression treatment, and did not meet criteria for other mental health disorders. They were recruited Australia-wide and completed questionnaires online and assessments by telephone. Primary outcomes were depression symptom severity (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 [DASS-21]) and depressive episode remission (QuickSCID-5) 12 weeks after enrollment. Participants were not blinded. Assessments (QuickSCID-5) and data analysis were conducted blind to allocation. Results Participants (N=50) were randomized (DadBooster: n=25; waitlist control: n=25) and analyzed as assigned; the trial is complete. Mean depression symptoms (DASS-21) at 12 weeks were significantly lower for DadBooster than waitlist control (adjusted mean difference −7.26, 95% CI −11.34 to −3.18; F 1,47 =12.81; P