Creating a daily measure of depression for people with aphasia
Official title: Developing a daily life measure of depression for persons with aphasia and examining its relation with communicative confidence
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-10984447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating an easy-to-use mobile tool for people with aphasia to share how they're feeling every day, helping to better understand their mood changes and support their mental health after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $160,838 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DC020757-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984447 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with aphasia following a stroke who may also be experiencing symptoms of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have aphasia or those who are not experiencing depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on individuals with aphasia, a language disorder often resulting from a stroke, who experience higher rates of depression. The study aims to develop a user-friendly tool that allows these individuals to report their mood in real-time using mobile technology. By employing ecological momentary assessment (EMA), the research will capture daily fluctuations in mood, providing a more accurate picture of depression in this population. The tool will be designed with input from patients, caregivers, and speech-language pathologists to ensure it meets the needs of those affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better assessment and management of depression in individuals with aphasia, ultimately improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of ecological momentary assessment has been successful in other populations, its application in individuals with aphasia is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashaie, Sameer Afzal — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Ashaie, Sameer Afzal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Identifying depression in people with aphasia using laboratory tests
This study is looking for better ways to spot depression in people with aphasia, who have trouble with language, by using simple tests that measure things like heart rate and eye movements instead of traditional questionnaires.
-
Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Suubi-Mhealth: a mobile app to help Ugandan youth with HIV manage depression and ART adherence
A mobile app designed for 14–17 year olds in Uganda aims to support mental health and keep HIV treatment on track.
-
Group-based postpartum depression prevention: in-person vs. virtual delivery
A large study is testing whether the ROSE group program delivered virtually to pregnant people is just as helpful as the in-person version in preventing postpartum depression.
-
Communication Bridge: Improving language therapy for people with primary progressive aphasia
A proven language-therapy program called Communication Bridge helps people with primary progressive aphasia improve and maintain how they communicate with others.
-
DESCANSO: A friendly CBT plan to ease depression, sleep problems, and fatigue in Latino cancer patients
A Spanish-speaking CBT program called DESCANSO is being tested to help Latino cancer patients feel less tired, sleep better, and happier.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.