Instant messaging therapy for depression after stroke
Instant Message-delivered Brief Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) for Post-stroke Depression: a Mixed Method Study
This study tests if instant messaging therapy can help stroke survivors with depression feel better and improve their overall mental health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 7 sites (Hong Kong and 6 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05892965 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) delivered through instant messaging for individuals experiencing post-stroke depression. It targets stroke survivors who are within one year of their stroke event and have mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms. The intervention is personalized and guided by therapists, aiming to improve mental health outcomes in a population that often goes untreated. The study will assess the impact of this innovative approach on reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing overall well-being.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are stroke survivors aged 18 and older who can communicate in Chinese and use smartphone messaging functions.
Not a fit: Patients with severe depressive symptoms or those currently receiving other psychological interventions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes for stroke survivors suffering from depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively reduce depressive symptoms, indicating potential success for this novel application in post-stroke patients.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of stroke (ICD-10 codes: I60-I69); * Aged ≥18; * Able to read and communicate in Chinese (Cantonese or Putonghua); * Able to use the text or voice messaging function on smartphone; * MoCA 5-minute Protocol (cognitive screen) ≥14; * Community-dwelling * Less than 1 year after stroke event; * PHQ-9 (depressive symptom) score ranging from 5 to 19 (note. mild: 5-9, moderate: 10-14, moderately severe: 15-19 and severe: 20-27) Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of psychiatric disease before stroke event or currently taking psychotropic drug including antidepressants * PHQ-9 ≥ 20 (i.e., severe depressive symptom) * Currently participating in any type of psychological intervention
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong and 6 other locations
- Hong Kong PHAB Association — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- Hong Kong Stroke Association — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- NT West Community Rehabilitation Day Centre — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Queen Mary Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- Tung Wah Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- United Christian Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jung Jae LEE
- Email: leejay@hku.hk
- Phone: +85239176971
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.