Exploring individual-specific synchrony in therapeutic relationships for depression

An Individual-specific Understanding of How Synchrony Becomes Curative

Not applicable Interventional University of Haifa · NCT06749392

This study is trying to see if finding unique patterns in how patients and therapists connect can help people with depression feel better and improve their treatment outcomes.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment78 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Haifa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Haifa)
Trial IDNCT06749392 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the concept of synchrony as a personalized mechanism that may facilitate therapeutic change in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder. It aims to identify unique synchrony signatures for each participant and explore how these signatures relate to their mental health and treatment outcomes. The research will assess the stability of these synchrony signatures over time and their potential impact on the therapeutic relationship with the therapist. By understanding these dynamics, the study seeks to provide insights into improving therapeutic interventions for depression.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 65 who are diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and have stable psychiatric medication dosages.

Not a fit: Patients at risk of suicide, those with substance abuse disorders, or individuals currently undergoing psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance therapeutic approaches for patients with Major Depressive Disorder by tailoring treatments based on individual synchrony signatures.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of synchrony in therapeutic relationships is recognized, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Current major depressive disorder based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5, and scores above 14 on the 17-item Hamilton rating scale for depression at two consecutive assessments, one week apart.
* For participants using psychiatric medication, the dosage must be stable for at least three months before the beginning of the study, and they will be asked to maintain stable dosage during the treatment
* Age between 18 and 65 years
* Hebrew language proficiency
* Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current risk of suicide or self-harm
* Current substance abuse disorders
* Current or past schizophrenia or psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe eating disorder requiring medical monitoring
* History of organic mental disease
* Currently in psychotherapy

Where this trial is running

Haifa

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.
Conditions Major Depressive DisorderSynchronyTherapeutic relationshipTrait-likeState-likeMulti-modalMechanisms of change
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.