MoodGYM is an Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention designed to treat and prevent depression and/or anxiety. Recently, MoodGYM has been found to be associated with a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety among community Internet users.

This aim of this trial is to examine whether MoodGYM plus 'Essential GP care' improves depression and/or anxiety outcomes relative to 'Essential GP care' alone.

'Essential GP care' in this trial refers to care given by GPs who have undergone the SPHERE Introductory Training Program. This training program provides an update on the knowledge and skills required to effectively identify, treat and manage depression, anxiety and somatic distress in general practice.

Patients with mild-to-moderate depression will be recruited though participating general practices within the Central Sydney Division area, New South Wales. These patients will then receive 'Essential GP care' plus MoodGYM or 'Essential GP care' alone. Patient outcomes will be assessed using a range of self-report questionnaires and interviews, and follow ups will be conducted at six and twelve months.

The demonstration that MoodGYM can potentially improve patient outcomes will have important implications. GPs will be able to provide effective interventions to patients with depression more efficiently and with greater cost-effectiveness, and patients will be able to access effective treatment when and as needed via the Internet.

The Chief Investigators include:

• Dr Michael Moore, General Practitioner and Chief Executive Officer, Central Sydney Division of General Practice
• Professor Helen Christensen, Professor and Deputy Director, Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University
• Dr Kathy Griffiths, Director, Depression and Anxiety Consumer Research Unit, Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University
• Professor Ian Hickie, Professor of Psychiatry and Executive Director, Brain & Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney and Clinical Advisor, beyondblue: the national depression initiative.