Preliminary Efficacy Trial of a Digital Intervention for Depression and Cannabis Use

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Mar 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new digital program designed to help people who are dealing with both depression and cannabis use issues. The goal is to see if this program, called Amplification of Positivity - Cannabis Use (AMP-C), is easy to use, acceptable to participants, and effective in improving mood and reducing cannabis use. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use this program or track their symptoms, and researchers will look at how well they stick with the program, their feelings of happiness, and changes in their cannabis use and depression symptoms.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be at least 18 years old, live in the United States, and be able to read and understand English. They should also be experiencing moderate symptoms of depression and have issues with cannabis use. Importantly, they must be interested in getting help for these problems. However, individuals with certain mental health conditions like severe mood disorders or those currently in therapy will not be part of this trial. The study is not yet recruiting, but if you or someone you know fits the criteria, it could be a valuable opportunity to receive support and contribute to important research.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged ≥ 18 years
• • Resides in the United States
• • Able to read and understand English and willing to provide informed consent/comply with the study protocol
• • Moderate depressive symptom severity, as indicated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
• • Problematic cannabis use, as indicated by the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test - Revised (CUDIT-R)
• • Current elevated anhedonia, as indicated by the PHQ-9
• • Interest in receiving treatment for their cannabis use and/or depression
• • Meet criteria for current MDD and CUD per the DSM-5
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of a psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder type I/II
• • Active suicidal ideation or intent based on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale
• • Current psychotherapy engagement
• • Changes in psychotropic medication within six weeks of the start of study