Using schema therapy to treat chronic treatment resistant depression

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Schema Therapy for Patients With Chronic Treatment Resistant Depression

NA · Region of Southern Denmark · NCT05833087

This study is testing if schema therapy can help people with chronic depression that hasn't improved with other treatments feel better compared to those getting standard therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment129 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorRegion of Southern Denmark (other)
Locations6 sites (Ballerup Municipality and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05833087 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of schema therapy, a specific form of psychotherapy, for individuals suffering from chronic treatment resistant depression. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving schema therapy and the other receiving standard psychotherapeutic treatment. The study will assess depression outcomes at multiple time points, including 6, 12, and 24 months, while also exploring secondary outcomes related to functioning and personal recovery. Additionally, the research seeks to refine the understanding of chronic treatment resistant depression and its characteristics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with chronic or treatment-resistant depression who have not responded adequately to previous antidepressant treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with acute suicidal risk, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with chronic treatment resistant depression.

How similar studies have performed: While schema therapy has shown promise in treating various psychological conditions, this specific application for chronic treatment resistant depression is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants have at the time of inclusion been referred to treatment for depression as a primary diagnosis in a psychiatric clinic
* Participants should meet the diagnosis of chronic or treatment-resistant depression as follows:

  1. Clinical major depression as measured by the M.I.N.I. diagnostic interview: duration minimum two years OR persistent after = 2 trials of antidepressants from different classes, in an adequate dosage and time period (= 4 weeks) OR moderate treatment resistance as measured on the MSM-scale, score \> 6
  2. Minimum a score of 9 points on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression 6 (HAMD-6), corresponding to moderate to severe depression

Exclusion Criteria:

* Alcohol or substance abuse
* Bipolar or psychotic disorder
* Acute suicidal risk
* Mental disability (estimated IQ \< 70)
* Non-Danish speaker
* Known to be pregnant at time of inclusion

Psychiatric comorbidity is not an exclusion criteria, until the comorbid disorder is understood to be the primary psychiatric problem and as such the patient would be treated in a different care package, e.g., for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Where this trial is running

Ballerup Municipality and 5 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Treatment Resistant Depression, Chronic Depression, treatment resistant depression, schema therapy, psychotherapy, difficult-to-treat depression, chronic depression, clinical trial

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.