Self-help ACT toolkit for adults with cystic fibrosis

ACT With CF Self-Help Toolkit

Not applicable Interventional Thomas Jefferson University · NCT07436351

This test tries a smartphone self-help version of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to reduce anxiety and depression and improve psychological flexibility for adults living with cystic fibrosis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThomas Jefferson University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT07436351 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with cystic fibrosis who report elevated anxiety or depression are randomized to immediate access to the ACT with CF Self-Help Toolkit delivered via smartphone or to a waitlist control who receive access after six weeks. The toolkit provides ACT-based exercises and materials tailored to the needs of people with CF and collects patient-reported outcomes on cognitive fusion, depression, anxiety, psychological flexibility, and value-based living. Secondary outcomes include medication adherence and lung function (spirometry), with clinical data drawn from electronic health records for analysis. Group comparisons will determine whether the self-help toolkit produces earlier or larger improvements than waitlist.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis who have at least mild symptoms of anxiety or depression (PHQ-9 or GAD-7 score >4) and can use a smartphone are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with active suicidal ideation, psychotic disorders, or other psychiatric or medical conditions that prevent participation are unlikely to benefit from this self-help intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If effective, the smartphone toolkit could reduce anxiety and depression and help adults with CF live more in line with their values.

How similar studies have performed: Therapist-delivered ACT adapted for cystic fibrosis and other chronic illnesses has shown reductions in anxiety and depression, while self-help smartphone versions are newer and less tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years or older
* Existing diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
* PHQ-9 score \>4 or GAD-7 score \>4

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of suicide attempts or acute suicidal ideation on clinical assessment
* Presence of psychotic disorder or symptoms
* Presence of psychiatric disorders that interfere with participation in the study, judged by the study or treating clinician
* Presence of other medical conditions that interfere with participation in the study, judged by the study or treating clinician

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cystic FibrosisDepressive and Anxiety DisordersPsychological Flexibilitycystic fibrosisACTCFchronic illness
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.