Dance-movement therapy for teenage depression
Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial of Dance-movement Therapy for Adolescents With Depression
NA · Helsinki University Central Hospital · NCT07293806
This will try dance-movement therapy with 13–17-year-olds who have moderate to severe depression to see if it reduces depressive symptoms and improves body image.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Helsinki University Central Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Helsinki and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07293806 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial will recruit 140 adolescents (age 13–17) from an outpatient youth psychiatric clinic in Helsinki and randomly assign them to 12 weeks of dance-movement therapy (DMT) or to treatment as usual. Outcomes will be measured with self-report questionnaires and interviews that capture depressive symptoms and body image at baseline, immediately after the 12-week intervention, and three months later. The trial is led by Helsinki University Central Hospital with academic collaborators and plans publication of results in 2027. The design tests whether adding DMT to usual care provides measurable benefit over standard treatment alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 13–17-year-olds with moderate to severe depression (Beck Depression Inventory ≥16 and at least 4 of 9 depressive symptoms on K-SADS-PL) receiving outpatient care.
Not a fit: Patients with acute psychosis, psychotic depression, personality disorder, severe anorexia, or critical-level substance misuse were excluded and are unlikely to benefit from this intervention as tested here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, DMT could provide a non-drug option that reduces depressive symptoms and improves body image in adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous smaller and mostly non-randomized studies of dance or movement therapies show promising mental-health effects, but rigorous randomized evidence in adolescents is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of medium or severe depression; BDI 16 points or more. At least 4/9 symptoms of depression in K-SADS-PL interview Exclusion Criteria: * Acute psychosis, psychotic depression, personality disorder, severe anorexia, substance misuse that is on a critical level
Where this trial is running
Helsinki and 1 other locations
- Helsinki University Hospital — Helsinki, Finland (RECRUITING)
- Adolecent mental health services, Helsinki — Helsinki, Finland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Riikka Valjakka, MD
- Email: riikka.valjakka@hus.fi
- Phone: +358445185156
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.
Conditions: Depression, adolescents, depression, therapy, dance, movement