Reward Sensitivity Digital App for Adolescent Suicidal Thoughts

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study tests a just-in-time, adaptive digital intervention designed to boost reward sensitivity and positive emotions in adolescents at risk of suicide. The app provides brief, real-time coping activities and mood prompts throughout the day, paired with ecological momentary assessments to track mood, motivation, and context. Phase 1 focuses on co-design with teens and their guardians to ensure usability and acceptability, with ongoing surveys and interviews to evaluate user experience and mood outcomes. Participants are adolescents aged 13-17 with recent suicidal ideation and residing in the Philadelphia area, along with their English-speaking legal guardians. The trial is conducted at the University of Pennsylvania under an interventional framework aimed at suicide prevention through digital health tools.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

ADOLESCENTS

* Aged 13-17 years old
* Recent suicidal ideation
* Access to a smartphone device
* Residing in the Philadelphia metropolitan area

LEGALGUARDIANS

* They are the legal guardian of an adolescent that meets all study criteria (see above)
* They can read, write, and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

ADOLESCENTS

* Psychotic disorder, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified, with a past year psychotic episode prior to baseline
* Bipolar disorder I diagnosis, with a past year manic episode prior to baseline
* Imminent suicide risk (e.g., active suicidal ideation with a specific plan and intent)

LEGALGUARDIANS

\- There are no exclusion criteria for legal guardians

Where it's running

• University of Pennsylvania
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Marin Kautz, Ph.D. — University of Pennsylvania
• Study coordinator: Sydney Lempert, B.A.
• Email: Sydney.Lempert@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu
• Phone: 215-746-3337

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Improving coping to reduce suicide risk after ED discharge

  This study tests whether an electronic safety plan and supportive text messages can help adults who have recently had suicidal thoughts or behaviors after leaving the emergency department.

  Recruiting University of Michigan · Ann Arbor, Michigan · NCT06614946

• Can tACS modulate motivation and reward signals in cannabis use disorder and depression

  We’re testing whether a gentle brain stimulation method (tACS) can boost motivation and reward responses in adults with cannabis use and/or depression to see if it helps with anhedonia.

  Recruiting Florida State University · Tallahassee, Florida and 1 other locations · NCT07924852

• Multi-layered digital monitoring and pharmacogenomics to prevent suicide in adults with depression

  This study tests whether a digital monitoring system, a digital safety plan, and pharmacogenetic-guided care can reduce suicide re-attempts in adults with depression.

  Recruiting Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz · Madrid, Madrid · NCT07885722

• Rapid relief of suicidal thoughts with ketamine and a crisis plan in the emergency department

  This study tests whether a single intramuscular dose of ketamine plus a brief Crisis Response Plan helps reduce suicidal thoughts in ED patients who are likely to be admitted.

  Recruiting Phase 2 The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · Fort Hood, Texas and 1 other locations · NCT07868913

• iTBS to help anhedonia in depression (dual left DLPFC + OFC or left DLPFC alone)

  A brain stimulation study tests whether intermittent theta burst stimulation can help people with major depression who have anhedonia, using both dual-target (left DLPFC and OFC) and single-target (left DLPFC) approaches.

  Recruiting Central South University · Changsha, Hunan · NCT07813169

• emPath platform pilot to link and keep adults with opioid use disorder in care in Durham

  This pilot tests a mobile app and telemedicine approach to help adults with opioid use disorder start and stay in MOUD through community outreach in Durham, NC.

  Recruiting Duke University · Durham, North Carolina · NCT07810322

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.