Mobile app for managing depression in multiple sclerosis patients

Care Technology to Ascertain, Treat, and Engage the Community to Heal Depression in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Closing the Gaps in Depression Care for People With MS By Closing the Information Loop

Not applicable Interventional University of California, San Francisco · NCT05865405

This study tests a mobile app that helps people with multiple sclerosis share their mood changes with their doctors to better manage depression.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Francisco, California)
Trial IDNCT05865405 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the MS CATCH application, a mobile tool designed to enhance communication between patients with multiple sclerosis and their neurologists regarding mood-related symptoms. Patients will regularly report their mood through the app, which will alert their clinician to any concerning changes. The neurologist can access a comprehensive dashboard that integrates patient data and local resources to improve treatment and follow-up care. The approach is based on behavioral change principles and aims to improve the overall management of depression in MS patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 80 with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and mild to moderate depression.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, psychotic disorders, or other significant central nervous system conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this app could significantly improve the monitoring and treatment of depression in patients with multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital health tools for mental health management, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of MS (relapsing or progressive) by 2017 McDonald Criteria18
* Ages 18 to 80
* PHQ-9 score of 5-19
* Any MS therapy, or no treatment
* California resident to enable clinical telemedicine visits if warranted during the study visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive dexterity or visual impairment (typically defined as corrected acuity less than 20/70) that, in the opinion of the study neurologist (RB), would put the participant at risk or limit their ability to adhere to the study protocol
* Inability to provide informed consent
* Psychotic disorders: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder
* Substance abuse that in the treating neurologist's perspective could influence the patient's safety on study or adherence to study protocol
* Another co-morbid CNS diagnosis eg. TBI

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California

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 Multiple SclerosisMSDepressionDepressed
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.