By Anne Cantrell MSU NEWS SERVICE
BOZEMAN — A
program delivered entirely online that aims to reduce depression and anxiety
symptoms has shown promising results in a new Montana State University study.
The findings
by MSU researcher Mark Schure suggest that an internet-based interactive
platform known as Thrive was effective in reducing the severity of
depression and anxiety symptoms and improving functioning and resilience among
a mostly rural community population of U.S. adults.
Waypoint
Health Innovations, a Seattle-based technology company, developed and owns the
Thrive program, which primarily uses video to deliver confidential,
evidence-based care to anyone with internet access, Schure said, adding that
Thrive’s algorithms allow it to tailor to the needs of the person using it. The
program’s responses are based on participants’ answers to a series of questions
aimed at determining how much they are being impacted by depression and which
aspects of the program would benefit them most. The program is further
personalized in response to evaluations as participants continue using the
program.
