Smartphone therapy for psoriasis and depression

Smart Phone Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Psoriasis and Co-Morbid Depression Symptoms

Not applicable Interventional Brigham and Women's Hospital · NCT06216691

This study is testing whether a smartphone program that combines therapy for depression with support for psoriasis can help adults feel better in both areas over eight weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06216691 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study involves adults with psoriasis and depressive symptoms participating in an 8-week coach-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program delivered via smartphone. The study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of this approach, as well as its preliminary efficacy in reducing depression and psoriasis symptoms. Participants will engage with treatment modules and provide feedback on their experience, with follow-up assessments conducted at the end of the program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis and current depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously participated in CBT for depression or have uncontrolled chronic medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an accessible and effective treatment option for patients suffering from both psoriasis and depression.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of smartphone-delivered CBT is gaining traction, this specific application for psoriasis and depression is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Adults aged 18 years of age and older

  * Dermatologist confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis
  * Current depression symptoms, defined as a PHQ-9 score of 5 or greater
  * Current psoriasis symptoms, defined as a scaled score of "mild" on any of the Skindex-16 subscales
  * Participants must be proficient in English and have access to an Android or iOS smartphone

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous participation in CBT for depression
* Current participation in any type of psychotherapy
* Those on psychotropic medications must be taking a stable dose for 2 months prior to enrollment and be willing to remain at a stable dose during the 8-week study
* Current elevated suicide risk (see Section 5.3 for details)
* Individuals who are incarcerated or compulsory detained
* Any uncontrolled or poorly controlled chronic medical condition that may interfere with an individual's ability to participate in the clinical trial

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 PsoriasisDepressive Symptoms
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.