PRISM for Depression and Anxiety in Young Adults With Cancer

Launched by DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE · Jul 9, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called PRISM for Depression and Anxiety in Young Adults with Cancer, is exploring a supportive program designed to help young adults cope with feelings of anxiety and depression that may come with a cancer diagnosis. The program, known as Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM), aims to provide tools and strategies to improve mental well-being for those aged 18 to 25 who have been diagnosed with nonmetastatic cancer and are currently receiving treatment or have recently completed treatment.

To participate, individuals must be able to understand and speak English, have been diagnosed with cancer at least six weeks ago, and score between 10-14 on specific screening tests that assess mood and anxiety. If eligible, participants can expect to engage in helpful sessions that focus on managing stress and emotions. It's important to know that there are some exclusions, such as those with severe symptoms or specific medical conditions, but anyone who doesn't qualify will be offered support resources. Additionally, participants can invite a friend or family member to join one of the sessions for added support.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria for Participants:
• • 1. 18-39 years of age
• • 2. Speak and comprehend English sufficiently to be able to complete study procedures and participate in the program in English\*
• • 3. Have been diagnosed with cancer or desmoid tumor at least 6 or more weeks ago
• • 4. Currently receiving treatment or has completed treatment for cancer or desmoid tumor no more than 6 months ago
• • 5. Score 10-24 (with question #9 not endorsed, or 0) on the PHQ-9 (Kroenke et al., 1999) or/and score 10-21 on the GAD-7 (Spitzer et al., 2006) during the initial screening assessment.
• Participant Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adults unable to consent, individuals who are not yet adults (age \<18), pregnant women, and prisoners.
• • 2. Individuals who score less than 10 on both PHQ-9 and GAD-7.
• • 3. Individuals who are diagnosed with cancer less than 6 weeks at the time of screening (we will be able to approach them again after 6 weeks since diagnosis has passed), or those who completed treatment more than 6 months ago will also be ineligible for this study; they will be offered resources for support, if desired.
• • 5) Individuals who report any suicidality (ideation, plan, and/or intent) on PHQ-9 screen (i.e., endorse anything more than 0 for question #9) at the time of the eligibility screening will also be excluded from the current study, and the appropriate safety measures and/or referral to a mental health provider will be made (see section 14.1 for more details on the procedure).
• Inclusion Criteria for Support Person:
• • -≥ 18 years of age
• • -A friend or family member invited by the study participant to join the 6th PRISM session