Digital cognitive behavioral therapy for Chinese teens with depressive symptoms
Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chinese Adolescents With Depressive Symptoms（CADS-D ): A Randomized Clinical Trial
This trial tests whether a 6-week digital cognitive behavioral therapy program helps Chinese adolescents aged 12–18 with depressive symptoms feel better compared with the regular school mental health curriculum.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chongqing) |
| Trial ID | NCT07163013 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, two-arm, open-label randomized controlled trial enrolls Chinese adolescents aged 12–18 who score ≥28 on the CDRS-R. Participants are randomized to a 6-week digital cognitive behavioral therapy (DCBT) program or to the regular mental health curriculum delivered by school staff. Outcomes are measured at baseline, at 6 weeks (post-intervention), and at 18 weeks (3-month follow-up), with primary focus on DCBT effectiveness. Secondary outcomes include feasibility, self-reported depressive and anxiety severity, psychological resilience, and quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Chinese-speaking adolescents aged 12–18 with CDRS-R scores of 28 or higher who can read/write Chinese, have a smartphone and internet access, and have provided informed consent with a guardian.
Not a fit: Patients with very severe depression or suicidal ideation (CDRS-R item 13 ≥5), other active psychiatric disorders, recent or current antidepressant or psychotherapy, severe physical conditions preventing use of the digital program, or inability to complete follow-up are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could provide an accessible, school-compatible digital therapy option to reduce depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Other digital CBT programs for adolescent depression have produced positive symptom reductions in prior research, but this specific DCBT program for Chinese adolescents is novel and less tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 12 to 18 years; 2. Scored 28 or higher on the children's depression rating scale-revised (CDRS-R); 3. Have the ability to read and write in Chinese; 4. Participant and at least one of their guardians provided written consent; 5. Have access to mobile phone and internet. Exclusion Criteria: 1. The researchers assessed that the adolescent's depressive symptoms were too severe to participate to CADS-D; 2. Scored 5 or higher on item 13 (suicidal ideation) on CDRS-R; 3. Participants who met diagnosis of other mental disorder except depression; 4. Severe physical illnesses or other physical disabilities that prevented the use of DCBT; 5. Within the past three months or currently undergoing any antidepressant treatment, including medication therapy, psychotherapy, and physical therapy; 6. Unavailability to follow up months after intervention.
Where this trial is running
Chongqing
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University — Chongqing, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Xinyu Zhou, Professor
- Email: zhouxinyu@cqmu.edu.cn
- Phone: 15823996993
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.