EMI Therapy for Depression in Hong Kong

Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · May 23, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help people with mild to moderate depression in Hong Kong. The researchers want to see if a specific type of therapy, called ecological momentary intervention (EMI), can help reduce feelings of sadness, negative thinking, and improve daily functioning. Participants will receive daily prompts through their smartphones for two weeks, alongside their regular treatment, to see if this approach works better than just receiving prompts alone.

To join the study, participants need to be between 16 and 65 years old, speak Cantonese, and have a diagnosis of major depressive episode confirmed by a healthcare professional. They should also have moderate to severe depression as indicated by a specific rating scale. It's important for participants to have a smartphone with internet access. However, those with certain serious mental health issues, unstable medical conditions, or those who are unable to use a smartphone app may not be eligible. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, it could be a valuable opportunity to explore a new treatment option for depression.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 16-65 years
• • Cantonese-speaking ethnic Chinese
• • Diagnosis of major depressive episode (MDE) established by the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder 5th Edition (DSM-V)
• • 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) ≥ 14 at screening and at baseline (i.e. moderate to severe depression)
• • Having a smartphone with Internet access and iOS or Android operating system.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who could not read Chinese, are unable to provide informed consents
• • Comorbid with other Axis I diagnoses (especially schizoaffective disorder)
• • With an unstable medical condition or current substance abuse
• • Have a score of ≥4 on any one of the three items on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (P1 Delusion, P2 Conceptual disorganization, P3 Hallucination)
• • Marked risk of self-harm or suicide that could not be safely managed in an outpatient clinic setting
• • Currently receiving any other weekly psychosocial therapy
• • Unable to use a smartphone-based application due to cognitive impairment or learning disability or inadequate vision.