Evaluating inpatient versus outpatient treatment for chronic depression

DepressionForefront: Costs, Treatment and Change Process for Dysthymia

NA · Modum Bad · NCT04911829

This study is testing whether treating chronic depression in the hospital or at home works better and costs less for people with this condition.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorModum Bad (other)
Locations1 site (Vikersund, Buskerud)
Trial IDNCT04911829 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study assesses the cost and effectiveness of inpatient versus outpatient treatment for dysthymia, a form of chronic depression. It aims to understand the therapeutic processes involved in treating this condition by conducting frequent assessments of psychological factors, symptoms, and physiological responses. The research will also evaluate which treatment setting is more cost-effective in alleviating symptoms of dysthymia, given the significant societal costs associated with this disorder. By comparing these two approaches, the study seeks to provide insights into the most effective treatment modalities for patients suffering from persistent depressive disorder.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder who have experienced unsuccessful previous treatments and live within driving distance of the treatment facilities.

Not a fit: Patients currently at risk of suicide, experiencing psychosis, or exhibiting severe emotional instability may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and cost-efficient treatment options for patients with dysthymia.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on dysthymia, studies comparing inpatient and outpatient treatments for depression have shown varying results, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Inclusion criteria will be liberal and similar to clinical practice criteria at the treatment site: Persistent depressive disorder as defined by the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM5); which includes an International classification of disorders-10 (ICD-10) diagnosis of depression, dysthymia, recurrent depression. unsuccessful previous treatments. living within driving distance from the treatment facilities.

Exclusion Criteria:

* current suicidal risk, current psychosis, marked emotional instability (i.e. issues with impulsivity), strong paranoid traits, current problems related to heavy substance abuse.

Where this trial is running

Vikersund, Buskerud

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Depression, Cost Benefit Analysis, Psychotherapeutic Processes, Dysthymia, Persistent depressive disorder, Chronic depression, Recurrent depression

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.