Digital Behavioral Activation for At-risk Youth

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to implement a digital Behavioral Activation app called Vira, combined with support from health coaches, to encourage at-risk youth to engage in positive activities. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the GET ActivE intervention or an Activity Monitoring Alone group. The study will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the intervention in improving anhedonia, depression severity, and reducing suicidal risk among adolescents aged 12-18. The research will also focus on ensuring equitable outcomes across different racial groups.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents age 12-18
* Current moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9-M \> 11)
* Current clinically significant anhedonia, operationalized as PHQ-9-M anhedonia item score \> 1
* English language fluency and literacy level sufficient to engage in study protocol
* Willing to download the app on their smart phones

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of mania, psychosis, or developmental disability precluding comprehension of study procedures per electronic health record review and phone screen.

Where it's running

• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jamie Zelazny, PhD, MPH, RN — University of Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Brandie George-Milford, MA
• Email: georgeba2@upmc.edu
• Phone: 412-246-5629

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.