Six-months outcomes of a randomised trial of supportive text messaging for depression and comorbid alcohol use disorder

Background and objectives: We have previously reported that supportive text messages delivered twice daily for three months have the potential to provide personalised support for patients with depression and co-morbid Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). In this study we report the six months outcomes. Methods: Participants (n = 54) with a DSM IV diagnosis of unipolar depression and AUD who completed an in-patient dual diagnosis treatment programme were randomised to receive daily twice supportive text messages (n=26) or a fortnightly thank you text message (n=28) for three months. Primary outcome measures at six months were Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II) scores and Cumulative Abstinence Duration (CAD). Trial registration: NCT0137868. Results: Unlike at three months, there was no statistically significant difference in six months BDI-II scores between the intervention (n=24) and control (n=24) groups; 1328 (SD=87) vs. 1508 (SD= 1137) respectively after adjusting for the baseline scores, F(1, 45)=0.192, p=0.66. There was also no significant difference in CAD between the text message group and the control group: 8414 days (920) vs. 74.73 days (28.97), t=1.422, df=41, p=0.16. However, patients in the intervention group had significantly higher days to first drink compared to those in the control group: 119.9 (47.7) vs. 624 (44.9), t=2.99, df=22, p=0.01. Limitations: Limitations of the study include the small sample size and the potential for loss of rater blinding. Conclusion: The effects of supportive text message intervention were not sustained beyond the period that the patients were receiving the intervention.