Bayesian Sequential Single Case Methods to Personalize Low-Intensity Psychological Interventions: Initial Pilot Work

Ruhr University of Bochum

Status: Completed

Conditions: Depression

Treatments: Behavioral: Cognitive Control Training; Behavioral: Imagery Cognitive Bias Modification

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04779437

650

Details and patient eligibility

About

The study is an initial investigation of the feasibility of applying Bayesian sequential analyses to individual participant single-case data for rapid detection of whether or not the individual is benefitting from a low-intensity computerized cognitive training intervention for depression. Patients waiting for, or in follow-up from, outpatient psychological therapy will complete first a two-week period of daily symptom monitoring, followed by two different two-week cognitive training interventions. Data collected will be used to assess feasibility of a future formal case series using Bayesian sequential analyses to determine switching of interventions, and inform the analysis parameters for such a future study.

Enrollment: 7 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patient registered at the Ruhr University of Bochum Outpatient Psychotherapy Center ("Zentrum für Psychotherapie", ZPT) in an appropriate phase of treatment (on waiting list/ in follow-up), or from 26/10/22 having had a first consultation ("Beratungsgespräch")
• Aged 18 years or above
• Owning a technical device (e.g. a laptop, computer) that is compatible with the computerized training
• Scoring ≥ 6 on the QIDS (indicating at least mild levels of depressive symptoms)
• Willing and able to complete all study procedures

Exclusion criteria

• Existence of a condition or circumstances that would interfere with completion of the study procedures (e.g. severe visual impairment, neurological problem, acute psychosis, or substance withdrawal symptoms)
• Acute crisis with high levels of suicidal ideations or high levels of self-harm, identified either through therapist's assessment or score >1 on item 12 of the QIDS

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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7 participants in 2 patient groups

Imagery Cognitive Bias Modification First

Experimental group

Description:

After completing two weeks of daily QIDS (baseline phase), participants randomly allocated to this arm will complete two weeks of imagery cognitive bias modification followed by two weeks of cognitive control training. Daily QIDS will be completed throughout the intervention phases.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Cognitive Control Training

Behavioral: Imagery Cognitive Bias Modification

Cognitive Control Training First

Experimental group

Description:

After completing two weeks of daily QIDS (baseline phase), participants randomly allocated to this arm will complete two weeks of cognitive control training followed by two weeks of imagery cognitive bias modification. Daily QIDS will be completed throughout the intervention phases.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Cognitive Control Training

Behavioral: Imagery Cognitive Bias Modification