OUTCOMES-OF-DEPRESSION-INTERNATIONAL-NETWORK (ODIN) - BACKGROUND, METHODS AND FIELD TRIALS

Background ODIN aims (a) to provide data on the prevalence, risk facto rs and outcome of depressive disorders in rural and urban settings wit hin the European Union (EU) based on an epidemiological sampling frame : and (b) to assess the impact of two psychological interventions on t he outcome of depression and on service utilisation and costs. Method Five centres across the EU are participating in ODIN. The centres are linked electronically and members meet regularly for training and stra tegic reviews. Urban and rural areas have been identified in each cent re. The sampling frame is of adults aged 18-64, identified via primary care databases or electoral registers. Potential cases of depressive disorders are identified using the Beck Depression Inventory. SCAN II and other validated measures are used to assign caseness against DSM-I V and ICD-10 criteria; assess comorbidity, disability genetic/familial susceptibility, psychosocial stressors, personality traits and cognit ive factors; and utilisation of local health care services. A randomis ed controlled trial of individual problem-solving treatment and a grou p educational programme is undertaken for respondents identified as ca ses of depressive disorder. Individuals are followed-up at six and 12 months. Results and Conclusions ODIN has already stimulated the develo pment of an effective international research partnership.