Monitoring depression symptoms during therapy using mobile technology
Official title: Intersession Processes in Psychotherapeutic Treatments Using an Ecological Momentary Assessment Approach (ISA-Bell)
Run by University of Zurich · NCT05553197 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if using a smartphone to track depression symptoms during therapy can help people with mild to moderate depression feel better compared to regular therapy alone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 25, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05553197 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with mild to moderate depression who own a smartphone with internet access.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe depression, acute suicidality, or other significant mental health disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effects of adding mobile monitoring of symptoms to traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for patients with mild to moderate depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either CBT with Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) or standard CBT alone. The EMA involves answering symptom-related questions via smartphone twice daily during the therapy sessions. The study aims to determine if this monitoring can enhance treatment outcomes compared to standard therapy. A total of 84 patients will be involved in the trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with depression by providing real-time monitoring and support.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile technology for monitoring mental health, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ICD-10 diagnosis of mild or moderate depression, first or recurrent episode (F32.0, F32.1, F33.0, F33.1) * PHQ-9 ≥ 5 * Possession of smartphone with internet access * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Acute or past suicidality; self-reported * Acute addiction (F10 - F19) * Dysthymia (F34.1), postpartum depression, or severe depression (F32.3; F33.3) * PHQ-9 \> 20 * Depression not main mental health concern * Planned onset or planned change in antidepressant medication * History of psychotic symptoms, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, or organic brain disorders * Cognitive impairment or physical disability that would hinder psychotherapy or the use of a smartphone
Where it's running
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Psychotherapeutisches Zentrum Universität Zürich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Birgit Watzke, PhD — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Louisa Jagmetti, M.Sc.
- Email: louisa.jagmetti@psychologie.uzh.ch
- Phone: +41 44 635 73 28
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.