Waitlist-Control Trial of Smartphone CBT for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Massachusetts General Hospital

Overview

The investigators are testing the efficacy of Smartphone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). The investigators hypothesize that participants receiving app-CBT will have greater improvement in SIGH-D scores than those in the waitlist condition at treatment endpoint (week 8).

The primary aims of this study are to test the efficacy of a Smartphone-based CBT treatment for adults with MDD recruited nationally. Eligible subjects (N=112) will be randomly assigned to 8 weeks of Smartphone-delivered CBT for MDD either immediately, or after a 8-week long waiting period (50-50 chance). The investigators hypothesize that Smartphone-delivered CBT for MDD will be feasible and acceptable to individuals with MDD, and that it will lead to greater reductions in MDD symptom severity compared to the passage of time (waitlist control).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder

Interventions

Smartphone-delivered CBT for MDDDEVICE

8-week Smartphone-delivered CBT for MDD. In-person cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an empirically supported treatment for MDD. The app-delivered CBT in this project includes modules such as cognitive skills (e.g., cognitive restructuring, core belief work), behavioral activation, and perceptual retraining/mindfulness skills.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * At least 18 years of age * Current diagnosis of primary DSM-5 MDD, based on MINI * Currently living in the United States Exclusion Criteria: * Psychotropic medication changes within 2 months prior to enrollment (Participants taking psychotropic medication must have been on a stable dose for at least 2 months prior to enrollment and not change medication during study period) * Past participation in ≥ 4 sessions of CBT for depression * Current severe substance use disorder * Lifetime bipolar disorder or psychosis * Acute, active suicidal ideation as indicated by clinical judgment and/or a score ≥ 2 on the suicidal ideation subscale of the C-SSRS * Concurrent psychological treatment * Does not own a supported mobile Smartphone with a data plan * Lack of technology literacy that would interfere with ability to engage with smartphone treatment

Locations (1)

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Difference in MDD severity (SIGH-D) at the end of treatment/waitlist period.

The Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (SIGH-D) is a clinician-administered interview that assesses depressive symptom severity in the past seven days. It contains 16 items ranging from 0-3, which are summed to generate a total score of depressive symptom severity (range=0-27). \*\*\*\* EDIT

Time frame: Endpoint (week 8)

Secondary Outcomes

Difference in functional impairment at the end of treatment/waitlist period

Participants who receive app-CBT will have greater improvement on functional impairment (WSAS). The WSAS uses a Likert scale from 0 (not impaired at all) to 8 (very severely impaired) to assess impairment in occupational, social, and family/friends domains. Higher scores indicate greater impairment.

Time frame: Endpoint (week 8)

Difference in quality of life at the end of treatment/waitlist period: Q-LES-Q-SF

Participants who receive app-CBT will have greater improvement on quality of life, assessed using The Quality of Life, Enjoyment, and Satisfaction Questionnaire - Short Form (Q-LES-Q). The Q-LES-Q-SF is a self-report measure of subjective quality of life, containing Likert items ranging from 1 (Very Poor) to 5 (Very Good). Total scores are presented as a percentage of the maximum value (i.e., ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater quality of life).

Time frame: Endpoint (week 8)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.