Exploring how instructions affect responses to health questionnaires
Effects of Emphasizing Instructions on Mental Health Questionnaires
This study is trying to see if changing the way questions are asked on health surveys can help adults with anxiety or depression give more accurate answers about how they feel.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Irvine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Orange, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06956378 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates whether emphasizing specific instructions, such as the phrase 'bothered by', influences how participants respond to health questionnaires related to anxiety and depression. Participants will be adults aged 18 and older who are currently receiving treatment for generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder. The study aims to improve the accuracy of self-reported data by examining the impact of instructional emphasis on responses. The intervention involves varying the instructions given to participants when completing the questionnaires.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are U.S. residents aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder and are currently receiving treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of anxiety or depression or are not currently receiving treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the reliability of self-reported assessments for anxiety and depression, leading to better patient care.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of emphasizing instructions is novel, similar studies have shown that the way questions are framed can significantly impact responses.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 or older * U.S. resident * Self-report being treated for or receiving a diagnosis generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder by a licensed provider (e.g., MD, DO, LPCC, LCSW, LMFT) in the past 12 months Exclusion Criteria: -
Where this trial is running
Orange, California
- University of California - Irvine — Orange, California, 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.