Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 59

Psychoeducational program for treating depression

Official title: Psychoeducation for Major Depressive Disorder: Development and Evaluation of Effectiveness

Run by University of Sao Paulo · NCT06467474 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if adding a six-week group program that teaches coping strategies can help people with Major Depressive Disorder feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 59 Years
SexAll
Enrollment338 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo
Academic / other
Locations1 site (São Paulo)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 1, 2024
Main results expectedJune 1, 2025
Study endsDecember 1, 2026
Registry record updatedJune 21, 2024
Trial IDNCT06467474 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with moderate Major Depressive Disorder.

Probably not a fit

Patients with other psychiatric disorders, severe clinical conditions, or those currently receiving other psychological treatments for depression 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 study investigates the effectiveness of a psychoeducational program as an additional treatment for individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It involves 338 participants who will be randomly assigned to receive either standard treatment or standard treatment plus the psychoeducational program, which consists of six weekly group sessions focused on coping strategies for depression. The primary outcomes measured will include reductions in depressive symptoms and increased knowledge about depression, while secondary outcomes will assess improvements in functionality and quality of life. The goal is to determine if psychoeducation can enhance treatment outcomes for those suffering from depression.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide patients with valuable coping strategies and improve their overall mental health outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that psychoeducational interventions can be effective in managing depression, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion:

* Both sexes;
* Ages between 18 and 65 years old;
* Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) made by a clinician according to Diagnostic Statistical Manual criteria-5-Text Revised (DSM-5-TR)
* Patients with Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale-17 items (HDRS-17) scores 14-23;
* Informed and signed consent form.

Exclusion:

* Unstable serious clinical or neurological diseases;
* Postpartum depression or other types of depressive disorders (disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, pre-menstrual, substance/medication-induced depressive disorder, depressive disorder due to another medical condition, another disorder specified depressive disorder and unspecified depressive disorder);
* Other psychiatric disorders;
* Patients with active psychotic symptoms;
* Suicidality risks
* Patients already undergoing any other psychological treatment for MDD;

Discontinuation:

* More than two absences during treatment;
* Those who miss more than two sessions/consultations, whether medical treatment or the psychoeducational program;
* Non-response to the use of Sertraline over the initial eight weeks; Presence of hypomanic symptoms at any time during treatment (Young \<7)

Where it's running

  • Institute of Psychiatry - Faculty of Medicine from University of Sao Paulo
    São Paulo, Brazil
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.