Comparing Email Versus Text Messaging as Delivery Platforms for Supporting Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: Noninferiority Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) poses significant global health challenges, with available treatments often insufficient in achieving remission for many patients. Digital health technologies, such as SMS text messaging–based cognitive behavioral therapy, offer accessible alternatives but may not reach all individuals. Email communication presents a secure avenue for health communication, yet its effectiveness compared to SMS text messaging in providing mental health support for patients with MDD remains uncertain. Objective This study aims to compare the efficacy of email versus SMS text messaging as delivery platforms for supporting patients with MDD, addressing a critical gap in understanding optimal digital interventions for mental health care. Methods A randomized noninferiority pilot trial was conducted, comparing outcomes for patients receiving 6-week daily supportive messages via email with those receiving messages via SMS text message. This duration corresponds to a minimum of 180 days of message delivery. The supportive messages maintained consistent length and structure across both delivery methods. Participants (N=66) were recruited from the Access 24/7 clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, among those who were diagnosed with MDD. The outcomes were measured at baseline and 6 months after enrollment using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Results Most of the participants were females (n=43, 65%), aged between 26 and 40 years (n=34, 55%), had high school education (n=35, 58%), employed (n=33, 50%), and single (n=24, 36%). Again, most participants had had no history of any major physical illness (n=56, 85%) and (n=61, 92%) responded “No” to having a history of admission for treatment of mood disorders. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean changes in PHQ-9, GAD-7, and WHO-5 scores between the email and SMS text messaging groups (mean difference, 95% CI: –1.90, 95% CI –6.53 to 2.74; 5.78, 95% CI –1.94 to 13.50; and 11.85, 95% CI –3.81 to 27.51), respectively. Both supportive modalities showed potential in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life. Conclusions The study’s findings suggest that both email and SMS text messaging interventions have equivalent effectiveness in reducing depression symptoms among individuals with MDD. As digital technology continues to evolve, harnessing the power of multiple digital platforms for mental health interventions can significantly contribute to bridging the existing treatment gaps and improving the overall well-being of individuals with depressive conditions. Further research is needed with a larger sample size to confirm and expand upon these findings. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04638231; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8552095/