Self-help ACT toolkit for adults with cystic fibrosis
Official title: ACT With CF Self-Help Toolkit
Run by Thomas Jefferson University · NCT07436351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Thomas Jefferson University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07436351 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Virginia O'Hayer, PhD
- Email: virginia.ohayer@jefferson.edu
- Phone: 919-943-6738
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Oropharyngeal suction and physiotherapy to detect lung bacteria in kids with chronic lung disease
A randomized study will test whether taking samples from the throat with suction, with or without prior physiotherapy, can reliably detect bacteria in children 5–18 with chronic lung disease, compared with standard sample methods.
-
Seeing if CFTR functioncan be restored in CF through patient cells with rare mutations
This study tests whether testing a patient’s own nasal cells in the lab can predict if CFTR-modulator therapies might help people with uncommon CF mutations.
-
Perceptions and Intentions Around a Change in CF Treatment
This study asks adults with cystic fibrosis currently on ETI whether they would switch to VTD if their doctor offered it and what factors influence that decision.
-
How the CF medicines elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor behave in the body
This study tests how the CF medicines elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor move through the body in patients with cystic fibrosis who are already taking the combination therapy.
-
Autogenic Drainage vs. Mechanical Chest Percussion in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
In children aged 6-12 with cystic fibrosis, this study tests whether autogenic drainage helps lung function and comfort more than mechanical percussion.
-
Testing Process Based Therapy in Routine Care for Depression and Anxiety
This study tests a Process Based Therapy approach in regular clinical care to see if it helps adults with depressive or anxiety disorders compared with standard therapy.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.