Meditation app to help teens with depression

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Healthy Minds Program app in reducing depressive symptoms among adolescents aged 14 to 19. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the meditation intervention group or an active control group using a water tracking app for eight weeks. Throughout the study, participants will complete various assessments and maintain a daily diary of their social interactions, while also wearing a Biostrap band to monitor health metrics. The study aims to assess both the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the meditation program, as well as its impact on anxiety, social behavior, and academic outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

1. Age 14 to 19
2. Currently in high school (i.e., 9th to 12th grade) or if not attending school, would be in high school if enrolled
3. Proficient in English
4. Able to understand and provide informed consent (greater than or equal to 18 years old) or assent and parent/guardian consent (if less than 18 years old)
5. PROMIS Depression Scale T-score greater than or equal to 60
6. If on a psychotropic meditation, has been receiving a stable dose for greater than or equal to 4 weeks
7. Willing and able to complete all study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has received a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (HSED or GED)
2. Weekly or more frequent meditation practice
3. Prior use of the Healthy Minds Program app
4. Prior use of the water tracking app
5. Endorses current active suicidal ideation with intent on the baseline screen
6. Self-reported history of psychosis or mania
7. Practiced the techniques learned in a mindfulness-based therapy Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) etc. one or more times per week in the last 6 months. Include therapy sessions if mindfulness is practiced in session or planning to start one of these therapies during the study period.

Where it's running

• Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin Madison
  Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Matthew Hirshberg, PhD — Center for Healthy Minds, UW Madison
• Study coordinator: Matthew Hirshberg, PhD
• Email: hirshberg@wisc.edu
• Phone: (608) 262-0035

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.