Ecological momentary intervention for mild to moderate depression in Hong Kong
Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) as Augmentative Therapy for Depression in Clinical Sample in Hong Kong
This study is testing a new two-week program using mobile prompts to see if it can help people in Hong Kong with mild to moderate depression feel better and function well alongside their usual treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06430476 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a two-week ecological momentary intervention (EMI) combined with treatment as usual for individuals with mild to moderate depression. Participants will receive two EMA prompts and one EMI daily, while an active control group will receive three EMA prompts daily. The study focuses on reducing depressive symptoms, rumination levels, and improving overall functioning. By utilizing mobile devices for real-time self-reporting, the study seeks to minimize recall bias and provide a more accurate assessment of participants' experiences.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Cantonese-speaking ethnic Chinese individuals aged 16-65 with a diagnosis of major depressive episode and moderate to severe depression.
Not a fit: Patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders, unstable medical conditions, or those at high risk of self-harm may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with mild to moderate depression.
How similar studies have performed: While ecological momentary interventions have shown promise in other studies, this specific approach targeting rumination in depression is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 16-65 years * Cantonese-speaking ethnic Chinese * Diagnosis of major depressive episode (MDE) established by the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder 5th Edition (DSM-V) * 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) ≥ 14 at screening and at baseline (i.e. moderate to severe depression) * Having a smartphone with Internet access and iOS or Android operating system. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who could not read Chinese, are unable to provide informed consents * Comorbid with other Axis I diagnoses (especially schizoaffective disorder) * With an unstable medical condition or current substance abuse * Have a score of ≥4 on any one of the three items on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (P1 Delusion, P2 Conceptual disorganization, P3 Hallucination) * Marked risk of self-harm or suicide that could not be safely managed in an outpatient clinic setting * Currently receiving any other weekly psychosocial therapy * Unable to use a smartphone-based application due to cognitive impairment or learning disability or inadequate vision.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (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.