Comparing two therapies for depression: CBT and ACT
Researching and Improving Psychotherapy Techniques in Interventions for DEpression (RIPTIDE)
This study is testing whether online cognitive-behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy is better for helping people with major depression feel better over 8 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06245096 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Participants will be randomly assigned to either an online group CBT or ACT program, each lasting 8 weeks, with a follow-up period of 6 months. The goal is to identify which specific therapeutic skills within these treatments are most effective for different individuals. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires to track their progress throughout the study.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with major depressive disorder who can participate in online therapy sessions.
Not a fit: Patients with current diagnoses other than MDD or those at significant risk of self-harm may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance treatment outcomes for patients with depression by identifying the most effective therapeutic skills for different individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that both CBT and ACT are effective for depression, but this specific comparison of therapeutic skills is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) according to DSM-V criteria (APA, 2013) * 18 years of age or older * access to a private location with a stable internet connection and a working video camera * lives in California * able to understand and speak English * able and willing to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * current diagnosis other than MDD if it constitutes the predominant aspect of the clinical presentation and if it requires treatment other than that being offered * clear indication of secondary gain (e.g., court ordered treatment) * current suicide risk or significant intentional self-harm in the last six months sufficient to preclude treatment on an outpatient basis.
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Iony D Ezawa, PhD — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Iony D Ezawa, PhD
- Email: ezawa@usc.edu
- Phone: (213) 262-9992
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.