Meditation app to help teens with depression
Smartphone-based Meditation Training to Reduce Adolescent Depression
NA · University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT06626425
This study is testing whether a meditation app can help teens aged 14 to 19 feel less depressed compared to using a water tracking app for eight weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06626425 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 14 to 19 who are currently in high school and exhibit elevated depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who have a high school diploma, engage in frequent meditation, or have a history of psychosis or mania may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide adolescents with effective tools to manage and reduce depressive symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with mobile health interventions for mental health, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- 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
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.
Conditions: Depression, adolescent, meditation