Table 1.

Characteristics of the interventions.

PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL FAMILY INTERVENTION

Uni-familiar psychoeducational intervention, scheduled every 7–10 days. It consists of six modules:

• Individual and family assessment

• Information on the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the disorder

• Early warning signs

• Management of suicidal behaviors

• Communication skills

• Problem solving skills

Each session lasts about 90 min. Moreover, two or more booster sessions will be planned, if needed. Sessions are developed in order to stimulate discussion and interaction among participants. Leaflets and other written materials will be given to patients and family members when relevant.

BEST TREATMENT OPTION (BTO)

Provided according to the NICE guidelines

• Persistent subthreshold depressive symptoms/ mild to moderate depression: self-help and psychological counseling

• History of severe depression who initially presents with mild depression: pharmacological treatment

• Moderate or severe depression: high intensity psychological intervention, or pharmacological treatments, or an integration of both interventions.