Monitoring depression symptoms during therapy using mobile technology
Intersession Processes in Psychotherapeutic Treatments Using an Ecological Momentary Assessment Approach (ISA-Bell)
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT05553197 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with mild to moderate depression who own a smartphone with internet access.
Not a fit: Patients with severe depression, acute suicidality, or other significant mental health disorders may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile technology for monitoring mental health, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Zurich, Canton of Zurich
- 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
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.