Assessment of Whether Telehealth Family Psychoeducation for Major Depressive Disorder is Doable

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND · Jun 8, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to support individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and their families through telehealth family psychoeducation (FPE). The goal is to see how well this program works and how people feel about it. Participants will include adults diagnosed with MDD who are currently taking antidepressant medication, along with a family member or caregiver who helps support them. They will take part in three online sessions over a few weeks, where they will learn about MDD, coping strategies, and how to manage treatment together. The study aims to understand the impact of this program on recovery, how well participants stick to their medication, and their feelings about needing treatment.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be at least 18 years old, have a prescription for antidepressant medication for MDD, and have a supportive family member or caregiver who can join them. Both individuals must speak basic English and agree to participate in the study. Importantly, those at high risk for suicide or with other serious health issues will not be included. Overall, participants can expect to gain valuable knowledge and skills that may help improve their mental health and strengthen their family support system.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • An individual (aged 18 years or older) with a diagnosis of MDD who has a prescription for at least one antidepressant medication for treating MDD
• • The individual has a family member, family caregiver, or significant other (aged 18 years or older) who plays a role in supporting the individual at home
• • Both the individual with MDD and their support person have basic English language skills, enabling them to engage in family psychoeducational sessions and respond to self-report outcome measures.
• • Both the individual with MDD and their support person voluntarily consent to participate in the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • An individual (aged 18 years or older) who does not have a prescription for at least one antidepressant medication for treating MDD
• • An individual (aged 18 years or older) with MDD whose family member, caregiver, or significant other could not participate in the study
• • An individual (aged 18 years or older) with MDD who has high or imminent suicide risk
• • An individual with MDD who has other serious mental or physical illnesses, cognitive impairment, or hearing impairment without a hearing aid
• • A family member, caregiver, or significant other to an individual with MDD who does not consent to participate in the study