250 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

'Things You Do' Program for Depression and Anxiety

MN
HH
Overseen ByHeather Hadjistavropoulos
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Regina
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if personalized feedback can enhance the effectiveness of a mental health program for individuals with depression and anxiety. Participants will receive either the standard "Things You Do" program (an ultra-brief internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy, or ICBT) or the program with additional feedback on their engagement in healthy actions. This feedback encourages greater participation in activities that support mental health. The trial seeks Canadian residents who are 18 or older, have internet access, and are open to learning new ways to manage their mental health. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods for enhancing mental health support.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that the "Things You Do" program, a brief online cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT), is generally easy for participants to manage. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in encouraging healthy daily activities without significant side effects. The version with personalized feedback has been safely used in various contexts, including anxiety and depression management. This personalized approach aims to enhance effectiveness by providing advice based on individual progress.

The safety of both versions of the "Things You Do" program is supported by their similarity to other ICBT methods, which have produced results comparable to traditional in-person therapy, often without notable side effects. This suggests it is a low-risk option for those considering participation.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the "Things You Do" program because it offers a fresh approach to managing depression and anxiety through Ultra-Brief Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT). Unlike traditional therapies that often require lengthy sessions, this program is designed to be short and accessible online, making it easier for people to integrate into their busy lives. Additionally, one of the treatment arms includes personalized feedback, providing participants with tailored insights and practical suggestions based on their progress, which could enhance engagement and effectiveness. This personalized element is a novel feature that sets it apart from standard care options for these conditions.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for depression and anxiety?

Studies have shown that the "Things You Do" program, a very short online cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT), effectively reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. One study found that participants experienced a significant decrease in depression, with a large improvement, and a moderate decrease in anxiety after five weeks. In this trial, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving the standard ICBT program without personalized feedback, and the other receiving the ICBT program with personalized feedback. Early results suggest that the version with personalized feedback might help people engage more in healthy activities, although more data is still being collected. Overall, the program offers a promising way to improve mental health through short, focused sessions.26789

Who Is on the Research Team?

HH

Heather Hadjistavropoulos, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Regina

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety who are interested in trying a brief online program to help improve their mental health. There are no detailed inclusion or exclusion criteria listed.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.
Canadian resident
Access to a computer or another appropriate device and the Internet
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Unable to read and understand English (All content is provided in English)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks
1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants receive the 'Things You Do' program, with or without personalized feedback, over a 5-week period

5 weeks
3 assessments (virtual) at intake, Week 3, and Week 5

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in engagement in healthy actions, depression, and anxiety symptoms

2 weeks
1 assessment (virtual) at Week 5

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Things You Do Program (Ultra-Brief ICBT)
  • Things You Do Program (Ultra-Brief ICBT + Personalized Feedback)

Trial Overview

The study compares two versions of the 'Things You Do' ultra-brief online therapy: one group gets just the program, while the other also receives personalized feedback about their healthy activities. Participants are randomly assigned to each group.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: ICBT With Personalized FeedbackExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: ICBT Without Personalized FeedbackActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Regina

Lead Sponsor

Trials
59
Recruited
9,100+

Macquarie University, Australia

Collaborator

Trials
27
Recruited
27,100+

Citations

An Ultra-Brief ICBT Intervention: The 'Things You Do' Program

Behavioral: Things You Do Program (Ultra-Brief ICBT). Behavioral: Things You Do Program (Ultra-Brief ICBT + Personalized Feedback). Study type.

Things You Do - An Ultra-Brief ICBT Intervention

Clients complete the program without therapist support. Things You Do Program (Ultra-Brief ICBT + Personalized Feedback). Participants in this ...

Feasibility trial of an unguided ultra-brief online psychological ...

This feasibility study evaluated the acceptability and effectiveness of the Things You Do (TYD) intervention within a routine online therapy ...

The association between patient engagement and ...

Overall, our results align with several previous studies demonstrating the effectiveness of guided iCBT interventions targeting depression and ...

Development and initial evaluation of an ultra-brief digital ...

By Week 5, over half of participants (55 %, 95 % CI 36 %, 75 %) had experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in depressive symptoms on the EPDS.

Effects of patient-driven iCBT for anxiety in routine primary ...

Results indicate that iCBT that is patient-driven, may have a greater effect on anxiety, than standard iCBT. The effect on perceived control over treatment

The experience of participating in an internet-based cognitive ...

One of the nurses was a specialist psychological nurse (JL) [19]. The results showed that the iCBT program had significant and moderate effects on depression.

Digital Tools for Depression: Evidence-Based Options That ...

iCBT comes in two main forms. Guided programs include regular check-ins with a therapist or coach who reviews your progress, answers questions, ...

Digital therapeutics in depression and anxiety: advanc...

iCBT consistently demonstrates clinical outcomes comparable to those of traditional face-to-face therapy, particularly when guided by a clinician. guided iCBT ...