Telephone/video behavioral activation to prevent depression after a first stroke in low-income older adults

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

The program delivers behavioral activation (BA) remotely through trained lay counselors (Tele-BA-S) and compares this approach to treatment as usual for preventing post-stroke depression. It enrolls community-dwelling, low-income older adults within about three months of a first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke who have subthreshold depressive symptoms and adequate basic cognition. Participants will be assigned to receive tele-delivered BA sessions in English or Spanish or to continue usual care, with mood outcomes tracked over time. Exclusions include moderate-to-severe depression, active psychotherapy, high suicide risk, severe psychiatric illness, dementia, or certain cognitive medications.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Enrollment within 3-months +2 weeks of a first-time ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
* 24-item HDRS score \< 15 indicating subthreshold depression defined as the absence of depressive symptoms or presence of mild symptoms of depression
* Single person income less than or equal to $45,000
* Residing in a community residence
* Ability to speak and read in English or Spanish
* Mini-MoCA score \> or equal to 11

Exclusion Criteria:

* Stroke event unrelated to vascular risk factors (e.g., drug use) or transient ischemic attack
* 24-item HDRS score \> or equal to 15 indicating moderate to severe depression
* Actively participating in psychotherapy
* high suicide risk or severe psychiatric illness (e.g., bipolar disorder and active psychosis) and/or actively taking antipsychotics
* Diagnosed dementia and/or currently taking cognitive enhancers, amyloid-targeting medications, or orexin receptor antagonists
* Patient Health Questionnaire 9 score \> or equal to 10 and/or answers positive to Q9
* Diagnosed aphasia and/or severe cognitive impairments
* high-risk alcohol or drug misuse
* receiving medications for mood disorders and a change in dose or type within the last 4 weeks

Where it's running

• The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jennifer Beauchamp, PhD, RN — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
• Study coordinator: Jennifer Beauchamp, PhD, RN
• Email: Jennifer.e.Beauchamp@uth.tmc.edu
• Phone: 713-500-2114

Similar studies

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

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• Building physical capacity after chronic stroke

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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.