Digital program to reduce depression and cannabis use
AMP-C: A Digital Therapeutic for Reward Dysfunction in Co-Occurring Depression and Cannabis Use
This trial will test a digital program called AMP-C to see if it reduces depressive symptoms and cannabis use in adults with both major depression and problematic cannabis use.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06878859 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with co-occurring major depressive disorder and cannabis use disorder are randomized to the Amplification of Positivity - Cannabis Use (AMP-C) digital intervention or to symptom tracking. The trial measures changes in depressive symptoms and cannabis use, along with usability and acceptability ratings, over a short follow-up period. Key inclusion criteria require moderate depressive symptoms, problematic cannabis use, elevated anhedonia, and interest in treatment, while exclusion criteria rule out psychotic or bipolar disorders, active suicidal intent, current psychotherapy, or recent medication changes. The intervention is delivered digitally through Massachusetts General Hospital and aims to gather feasibility and preliminary efficacy data before larger-scale testing.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) living in the U.S. who read English, meet DSM-5 criteria for current major depressive disorder and cannabis use disorder, have moderate depressive symptoms and problematic cannabis use with elevated anhedonia, and are interested in treatment are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with a history of psychotic or bipolar disorder, active suicidal ideation, current psychotherapy engagement, recent psychotropic medication changes, non-English speakers, or those living outside the U.S. may not benefit from or be eligible for this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could provide an accessible digital option to reduce depressive symptoms and cannabis use for people with both conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Digital treatments have shown promise for depression and for substance use separately, but interventions specifically targeting co-occurring cannabis use and depression are relatively novel with limited prior data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged ≥ 18 years * Resides in the United States * Able to read and understand English and willing to provide informed consent/comply with the study protocol * Moderate depressive symptom severity, as indicated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) * Problematic cannabis use, as indicated by the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test - Revised (CUDIT-R) * Current elevated anhedonia, as indicated by the PHQ-9 * Interest in receiving treatment for their cannabis use and depression * Meet criteria for current MDD and CUD per the DSM-5 Exclusion Criteria: * History of a psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder type I/II * Active suicidal ideation or intent based on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale * Current psychotherapy engagement * Changes in psychotropic medication within six weeks of the start of study
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
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.