iFightDepression®

iFightDepression® Tool

The iFightDepression® Tool is an internet-based, guided self-management programme designed to support individuals with mild to moderate depression. It is based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) principles and helps users develop effective coping strategies. The tool is free to use but requires guidance from a trained General Practicioner or mental health professional.

Key features of the iFightDepression® Tool:

Structured modules covering sleep, mood monitoring, activity planning and healthy lifestyle habits
Interactive exercises to reinforce new skills and encourage self-monitoring
Adapted versions for young people, including topics on social anxiety and relationships
Available in multiple languages across different countries
Some language versions contain additional modules on grief and trauma.

If you are experiencing depression and want to use the tool, please consult a trained professional or visit the iFightDepression® Guide Website for more information.

iFightDepression® Guide Website

The iFightDepression® Guide Website connects individuals with trained professionals who support them in using the iFightDepression® Tool.

How to Find a Guide:

Find a Guide: Visit guides.ifightdepression.com/find and search for a trained professional in your area or online.
Contact a Specialist: Arrange a consultation to discuss your symptoms.
Use the Tool: Follow the programme, complete tasks, and track progress.

How to Become a Guide:

Healthcare professionals interested in offering the tool can access a standardised training to become guides. Here is how you can proceed:

Visit https://guides.ifightdepression.com/apply/step-0 and follow the registration process
Complete the iFightDepression® Tool training
Take the multiple-choice test

You will be approved by the iFightDepression® coordinator in the respective country and then be listed as a guide on the website.

The training is open to general practitioners (GPs), psychiatrists, psychotherapists, crisis interveners, suicidologists, and social worker.

EAAD Depression Info Website

The EAAD Depression Info Website provides reliable information in 22+ languages on depression and suicide prevention for different target groups. Targeted sections offer tailored information for the general public, young people, family members, friends, community professionals, and healthcare providers.

The website offers the follwing content:

Causes, symptoms, and treatment options for depression
Practical self-help strategies, a depression self-test and downloadable resources
Guidance on supporting someone with depression
Information on where to find help in different regions
Educational materials, videos, and audio resources

The EAAD Depression Info Website serves as a valuable resource for raising awareness and improving access to mental health information across many countries.

Publications

The following publications provide valuable insights into iFightDepression® and its impact on individuals with depression. They highlight the effectiveness of the iFightDepression® Tool in enhancing mental health support, improving care, and promoting recovery.

Key publication:

Oehler, C., Görges, F., Rogalla, M., Rummel-Kluge, C., & Hegerl, U. (2020). Efficacy of a guided web-based self-management intervention for depression or dysthymia: Randomized controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up using an active control condition. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(7), e15361. https://doi.org/10.2196/15361

Further publications:

Vargiu, N., Belfanti, A., Roberti, M., et al. (2024). Empowerment of Italian general practitioners in depression and suicide prevention: The iFightDepression tool, a game changer of the EAAD-Best project. Annals of General Psychiatry, 23, 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-024-00506-0
Varga, A., Czeglédi, E., Erdélyi, K., Gyömbér, S., Szeifert, N., Tóth, D. M., & Purebl, G. (2023). Adherence to the iFightDepression® online self-help tool for depression - A pilot study. Adherencia az iFightDepression® online önsegítő programban – Pilot-vizsgálat. Ideggyógyászati Szemle, 76(7–8), 221–229. https://doi.org/10.18071/isz.76.0221
Reich, H., Hegerl, U., Rosenthal, A., et al. (2024). Arabic-language digital interventions for depression in German routine health care are acceptable, but intervention adoption remains a challenge. Scientific Reports, 14, 12097. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-62196-8
Elices, M., Canosa, I., Toll, A., Justicia, A., Colom, F., & Pérez, V. (2023). Feasibility of a web-based program for secondary prevention of suicidal behavior: The iFight Depression-Survive. European Psychiatry, 66(Suppl 1), S527. https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.1116
Varga, A., Czeglédi, E., Tóth, M. D., & Purebl, G. (2022). Effectiveness of iFightDepression® online guided self-help tool in depression: A pilot study. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 30(4), 696–705. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X221084584
Oehler, C., Scholze, K., Driessen, P., Rummel-Kluge, C., Görges, F., & Hegerl, U. (2021). How are guide profession and routine care setting related to adherence and symptom change in iCBT for depression? An explorative log-data analysis. Internet Interventions, 26, 100476. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2021.100476
Oehler, C., Scholze, K., Reich, H., Sander, C., & Hegerl, U. (2021). Intervention use and symptom change with unguided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: Log data analysis of a convenience sample. JMIR Mental Health, 8(7), e28321. https://doi.org/10.2196/28321
Justicia, A., Elices, M., Cebrià, A. I., et al. (2017). Rationale and methods of the iFightDepression study: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of an internet-based self-management tool for moderate to mild depression. BMC Psychiatry, 17, 143. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1306-2

iFightDepression®

Explore iFightDepression® - a self-management tool and resource designed to support individuals with mild to moderate depression.

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