Text messaging for depression and alcohol dependence syndrome

Mobile phone text message technology has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with depression and co-morbid alcohol dependence syndrome. This study explores the feasibility of using supportive text messages to improve on mood and abstinence outcomes for patients with depression and comorbid alcohol dependence syndrome. Fifty four patients with both depression and alcohol dependence syndrome who completed an inpatient treatment programme were randomised into two groups. One group received twice daily supportive text messages for three months in addition to usual care while the other group received only one text message every fortnight thanking them for taking part in the study. Primary outcome measures included the Cumulative Abstinence Duration and Beck¿s Depression Inventory scores at three and six months. Secondary outcomes included the Global Assessment of Function Scale scores at three and six months.