Understanding cannabis use and its effects on depression and suicide risk in adolescents

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 aims to explore the relationships between cannabis use, withdrawal, depression, and suicidal ideation in adolescents aged 12-18 years. It will recruit 200 participants who use cannabis daily and exhibit symptoms of depression. The study involves a 10-week protocol, including a 2-week baseline phase with real-time monitoring of mood and substance use, followed by an 8-week randomization phase comparing cannabis abstinence with contingency management versus non-contingent monitoring. The goal is to develop effective interventions to reduce depression and suicide risk among adolescents.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 12-18;
* Current daily or near daily cannabis use (i.e., use ≥ 4 days per week on average; Timeline Followback);
* Score ≥ 5 on PHQ-9;
* Access to an internet-capable smartphone (iOS or Android);
* Provision of at least 1 collateral contact for risk monitoring;
* Provision of informed assent (or consent if 18 years or older) and parent/guardian consent if \<age 18;
* Greater than 50% response rate to EMA prompts during the first EMA phase;
* No immediate plan to discontinue cannabis use in the next 3 months;
* Positive toxicology result for cannabis on baseline urinalysis.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any factor that impairs ability to comprehend and effectively participate, including acute intoxication at time of consent;
* Cannabis use \>4 times/day on average (to maximize likelihood of capturing mood and SI during non-use times);
* Inability to speak/write English fluently;
* Gross cognitive impairment, for example due to florid psychosis, intellectual disability, developmental delay, or neurodegenerative disease;
* Current epilepsy diagnosis;
* Individuals who are under the legal protection of the government or state (wards of the state);
* Response of "No" to the knowledge check question regarding EMA suicidality response time;
* Inability to wear Fitbit device.

Where it's running

• Massachusetts General Hopsital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Randi M Schuster, PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Randi M Schuster, PhD
• Email: rschuster@mgh.harvard.edu
• Phone: 617-643-6673

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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.