Online therapy for depression in people with spinal cord injuries
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depressed People With Spinal Cord Injuries: Testing Efficacy and Mechanisms of Change
This study is trying out an 8-week online therapy program for people with spinal cord injuries and depression to see if it can help improve their mental health and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT06233656 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effects of an 8-week videoconferencing program using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to improve mental health outcomes in individuals with spinal cord injuries who are experiencing depression. The program focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility through mindfulness and acceptance processes, aiming to reduce depressive symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Participants will be compared to a wait-list control group to assess the effectiveness of the intervention at posttest and two-month follow-up. The study addresses a significant gap in existing research by specifically targeting depressed individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include community-dwelling adults aged 18 and older with spinal cord injuries and at least mild depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive deficits, severe psychiatric conditions, or those who have previously undergone ACT may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve mental health and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries who are struggling with depression.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence for ACT specifically in this population, similar approaches have shown promise in improving mental health outcomes in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * community-dwelling adults (aged 18 years or older) living with spinal cord injuries * having at least mild depressive symptoms as measured by the PHQ-9 (scores ≥ 5) * having a web-enabled device (e.g., a computer or a smartphone) with internet access Exclusion Criteria: * having cognitive deficits or language barriers that might impede study participation * having suicidal intent or attempts in the past 6 months * having psychiatric hospitalizations in the previous 2 years * having a diagnosis with bipolar disorder or psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) * having a prior experience with acceptance and commitment therapy
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Areum Han, PhD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Areum Han, PhD
- Email: ahan@uab.edu
- Phone: 205-734-5822
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.