Leipzig / Frankfurt am Main, 06.11.2025 The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has identified the online programme iFightDepression® as a best practice intervention in the current report on the promotion and prevention of mental health. The guided self-management programme based on cognitive behavioural therapy helps people experiencing depression to better understand their illness and provides practical tools and guidance for everyday life. iFightDepression® is an offer of the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) led by Prof. Ulrich Hegerl. Dissemination in Germany is carried out by the German Depression Relief and Suicide Prevention Foundation.
The OECD stresses that depression and anxiety disorders are a significant burden for those affected and also for society. About one in five adults in OECD and EU27 countries is affected by at least mild to moderate symptoms. Against this background, the report identifies and evaluates interventions that have been shown to improve mental well-being, prevent symptoms from worsening, and thus also promote educational and professional opportunities. Eleven approaches were selected by the OECD in cooperation with the European Commission. The interventions were assessed based on five criteria: effectiveness, efficiency, equity, evidence quality, coverage, as well as the potential for transferability to other cultural and linguistic contexts.
iFightDepression® convinces with scientifically proven effectiveness and cost-effectiveness
In particular, the strong evidence from a randomised controlled trial with an active control group (Oehler et al, 2020) was highlighted in the evaluation of iFightDepression®. The study found that after six weeks of use, the reduction in depressive symptoms in iFightDepression® was 40% higher than in the active control group. The improvement in health-related quality of life was 89% higher in the iFightDepression® group after six weeks than in the control group, and 56% higher after three months. The OECD concluded that the intervention is cost-effective in 34 of the 43 OECD and EU27 countries, and potentially cost-effective in another five. In three countries (the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden), it is even considered cost-saving.
Free of charge and available in 16 languages
The OECD also praises the excellent transferability of iFightDepression® to other countries. For example, the online programme is already available in 16 languages – including Ukrainian and Russian for the targeted support of displaced persons. The evaluation in the area of justice also highlighted that iFightDepression® is accessible to all population groups, as it is available online and free of charge to users. In conclusion, the OECD recommends increasing the availability of iFightDepression®, actively promoting its awareness and training professionals in its effective use.
Sources:
Oehler, C. et al. (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, Vol. 22/7, https://doi.org/10.2196/15361.
OECD (2025), Mental Health Promotion and Prevention: Best Practices in Public Health, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/88bbe914-en.
Press contacts:
European Alliance Against Depression e.V. (EAAD)
Dr. Pia Hauck
Goerdelerring 9, 04109, Leipzig
Tel: +49 175 9824 706
contact@eaad.net
German Foundation for Depression and Suicide Prevention
Heike Friedewald, Press and Public Relations
Goerdelerring 9, 04109 Leipzig
Tel: +49 341 22 38 74 12
presse@deutsche-depressionshilfe.de
About EAAD
The European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) is an international, scientific, non-profit organization that speaks up for patients affected by depression. It conducts research, raises awareness and develops effective, evidence-based initiatives that improve access to care and treatment for people suffering from depression worldwide, to support those affected and their families, and to prevent suicide. The central offers include the EAAD Community-Based 4-Level Intervention and the online self-management programme iFightDepression®. EAAD's network includes members in Europe, Australia, Canada, Africa and Chile. www.eaad.net
About the German Foundation for Depression and Suicide Prevention
The German Foundation for Depression Suicide Prevention has set itself the goal of improving the care of people suffering from depression and reducing suicides in Germany. The Chairman of the Board is Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hegerl. The patronage has taken over the entertainer and actor Harald Schmidt. In addition to research activities, the Foundation offers a wide range of information and assistance services to those affected and relatives under its umbrella, such as the Germany-wide Info-Telephone Depression. Alliances have been formed in 90 cities and municipalities to provide information about the disease at a local level. The work is pharma-independent. www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de
