Online mood monitoring in treatment-resistant depression: qualitative study of patients' perspectives in the NHS. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Incecik, Emma; Taylor, Rachael W.; Valentini, Beatrice; Hatch, Stephani L.; Geddes, John R.; Cleare, Anthony J.; Marwood, Lindsey
• Is Part Of: BJPsych bulletin. Volume 44:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 47
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Treatment-resistant depression, -- mood monitoring, -- True Colours, -- qualitative research, -- major depression; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 616.8905
• DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2019.92
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4694

Abstract

Abstract : Aims and method: True Colours is an automated symptom monitoring programme used by National Health Service psychiatric services. This study explored whether patients with unipolar treatment-resistant depression (TRD) found this a useful addition to their treatment regimes. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 patients with TRD, who had engaged in True Colours monitoring as part of the Lithium versus Quetiapine in Depression study. A thematic analysis was used to assess participant experiences of the system. Results: Six main themes emerged from the data, the most notable indicating that mood monitoring increased patients' insight into their disorder, but that subsequent behaviour change was absent. Clinical implications: Patients with TRD can benefit from mood monitoring via True Colours, making it a worthwhile addition to treatment. Further development of such systems and additional support may be required for patients with TRD to experience further benefits as reported by other patient groups.