The iTreAD project: A randomised clinical trial of internet-based treatment for binge drinking and depression in young Australians

November 2014
Staff: 

NDARC: Dr Frances Kay-Lambkin, Jenny Geddes, Julia Rosenfeld, Kellie Cathcart, Sally Hunt, Professor Maree Teesson, Mark Deady.

Other investigators: 

Professor Amanda Baker
Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Newcastle

Professor Kathleen Brady
Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina

Associate Professor Terry Lewin
Priority Research Centre for Translational Neurosceince and Mental Health, University of Newcastle

Professor Bonnie Spring
Department of Preventative Medicine, Northwestern University

Dr Louise Thornton
Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Newcastle

Project description: 

This project focuses on a common clinical problem that causes substantial functional, economic and health impacts: comorbid depression and binge drinking. These conditions are under-treated and peak in young adulthood. 

This project will conduct the first randomised controlled trial of an internet delivered treatment for comorbid depression and binge drinking in young people aged 18-30 years, augmented with social networking support.

We aim to:

  1. Demonstrate that young people, aged 18-30 years, who are experiencing low mood and are binge drinking will engage with web-based treatments that target their multiple problems simultaneously;
  2. Demonstrate that young people with these problems will benefit from web-based treatment targeting low mood and binge drinking simultaneously; and
  3. Demonstrate the additional benefit of peer-led social influence on engagement and mood and binge drinking outcomes for young people, when offered in conjunction with a web-based treatment for these conditions.

This project offers a low cost, wide reach, youth-appropriate treatment, which will have profound implications for service design and health policy. It relates to current Commonwealth initiatives in e-health and e-Psychology. 

For more about this project: Go to the NDARC website or go to the iTreAD website.