Depression experience journal: a computer-based intervention for families facing childhood depression.
OBJECTIVE
This study tested the feasibility and safety of a computer-based application for families facing childhood depression. The Depression Experience Journal (EJ) is a psychoeducational intervention based on a narrative model involving the sharing of personal stories about childhood depression.


METHODS
Semistructured interviews assessed Depression EJ feasibility and safety. Thirty-eight primary caretakers of children with depression (one caretaker per patient) used the EJ during a psychiatric hospitalization. Assessment of feasibility and safety was measured before EJ use and 2 to 4 weeks afterward.


RESULTS
Results revealed that the EJ was safe and useful for decreasing social isolation, increasing hope, increasing understanding of familial feelings about childhood depression, and fostering positive reactions in caretakers.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-based interventions hold significant promise in providing a new manner of psychosocial support to families facing child and adolescent psychiatric illnesses.
DeMaso
David Ray
DR
All authors are with the Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Mass. Electronic address: david.demaso@childrens.harvard.edu.
Marcus
Nicole Eldridge
NE
All authors are with the Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Mass.
Kinnamon
Carolyn
C
All authors are with the Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Mass.
Gonzalez-Heydrich
Joseph
J
All authors are with the Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Mass.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003866:Depressive Disorder; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012449:Safety; D012944:Social Support