From Prototype to Product: Development of a Primary Care/Internet Based Depression Prevention Intervention for Adolescents (CATCH-IT)

Abstract

We describe the prototype to product development process of a low cost, socio-culturally relevant, easily implemented Internet-based depression prevention intervention for adolescents in primary care. The intervention named "Project CATCH-IT" (Competent Adulthood Transition with Cognitive-behavioral, Humanistic and Interpersonal Training) includes an initial motivational interview in primary care to engage the adolescent, fourteen Web-based modules based on behavioral activation, cognitive behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapy which target known risk factors, and a follow-up motivational interview in primary care. This was successfully fielded in a pilot study with 25 adolescents. We know of no other similar interventions developed for the prevention of depression in youth that is potentially universally available at low cost and that utilizes existing systems of healthcare providers.

Adolescent and parent experiences with a primary care/Internet-based depression prevention intervention (CATCH-IT)

“…42 Both the intervention and development of the same have been reported in past publications. 49,50 In this study, we conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing MI + Internet program (MI group) versus BA + Internet program in 13 US primary care sites within five different health systems across four U.S. Midwest and South states. All materials remain open for public use and are freely available to healthcare providers on the CATCH-IT Internet site at http://catchit-public.bsd.uchicaqo.edu/.…”

“…All materials remain open for public use and are freely available to healthcare providers on the CATCH-IT Internet site at http://catchit-public.bsd.uchicaqo.edu/. 49,51 , 52 …”

Adaptation of an internet-based depression prevention intervention for Chinese adolescents: from “CATCH-IT” to “grasp the opportunity”

“…CATCH-IT, an internet-based depression prevention intervention for early-and late-stage adolescents, utilized aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), behavioral activation (BA), and resiliency theory (12) . CATCH-IT was developed in concordance with the prevention intervention research cycle.…”

Pilot study of Internet-based early intervention for combat-related mental distress

“…It is unrealistic to assume that veterans will seek treatment for specific psychological disorders given that most individuals have difficulty "constructing" the concept of common mental disorder [13]. Internet-based interventions can address all these barriers because they are universally distributed; available at any time; and can be delivered privately to avoid stigma, enhance self-efficacy, and minimize negative attitudes toward mental health interventions [14][15]. With regard to the third rationale, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies delivered online are known to be an efficient, effective, and low-cost option for reducing preclinical distress and impairment and mitigating symptoms of deployment-related mental health disorders, including depression and PTSD [16][17].…”

“…Users are supported by peer-to-peer chats and social worker-provided motivational interview (MI) techniques. The intervention enhances the three protective domains of functioning for PTSD and depression and is an early intervention in the Institute of Medicine model, providing indicated prevention for servicemembers with subthreshold PTSD and depression symptoms and case identification treatment for those above the threshold [14]. We conducted a pre/post design phase 1 pilot study with 50 veterans to examine feasibility (adherence and sociocultural relevance and satisfaction), clinical response (change in depressed mood, PTSD symptoms, and functional status), and change in attitudes relevant to treatment seeking (change in intention, attitudes and beliefs toward intervention, social norms, and self-efficacy).…”