Evaluation Study of Medical-Social Collaboration Model for Middle-aged and Older Adults With Depressive Symptoms

Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Jul 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help middle-aged and older adults who are feeling mild to moderate symptoms of depression while they wait for their first appointment with a psychiatrist. The study wants to see if a program that combines medical care with social support can reduce feelings of depression better than just giving people a self-help booklet. Besides depression, the study will also look at whether this program helps reduce anxiety, loneliness, negative thinking, and self-criticism, while improving confidence, resilience, overall well-being, and how often people use healthcare services.

To take part, you must be waiting for psychiatric services through the Hospital Authority, have some symptoms of depression, and be able to give your consent. People with certain conditions like autism, intellectual disabilities, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia, or those at immediate risk of suicide, cannot join right now. Participants will either receive support through the medical-social program that includes step-by-step counseling based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or get a self-help booklet. Everyone will complete short surveys about their mental health and use of health services every three months until their first psychiatric appointment. This study is currently recruiting people of all genders aged 16 and older.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Currently awaiting psychiatric services provided by the Hospital Authority
• • Have depressive symptoms of at least mild severity
• • Able to provide informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • A known history of autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, or dementia
• • Imminent suicidal risk (temporary exclusion)
• • Communication difficulties that preclude participation