Feasibility of a blended group treatment (bGT) for major depression: uncontrolled interventional study in a university setting

Objective: This study investigated the feasibility of a novel blended (face-to-face and computer-based) group intervention for the reduction of depressive symptoms in major depression. Design: Patient-centred uncontrolled interventional study. Setting: University setting in a general community sample. A multimodal recruitment strategy (public health centres and public areas) was applied. Participants: Based on independent interviews, 26 participants, diagnosed with major depressive disorder (81% female; 23% comorbidity >1 and 23% comorbidity >2), entered treatment. Intervention: Acceptance and mindfulness based, as well as self-management and resource-oriented psychotherapy principles served as the theoretical basis for the low-threshold intervention. The blended format included face-to-face sessions, complemented with multimedia presentations and a platform featuring videos, online work sheets, an unguided group chat and remote therapist–patient communication. Main outcome measures: The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Results: Large to very large within group effect sizes were found on self-reported depression (F(2, 46.37)=25.69, p<0.001; d=1.80), general health (F(2,46.73)=11.47, p<0.001; d=1.32), personal resources (F(2,43.36)=21.17, p<0.001; d=0.90) and mindfulness (F(2,46.22)=9.40, p