Evaluation of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Narrative Intervention for Individuals Taking Antidepressants

Utah State University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Depressive Symptoms

Treatments: Behavioral: LifeStories

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04757961

11523

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to compare the efficacy of LifeStories on depression symptomatology compared to antidepressant treatment alone, in addition to examining the effect of the intervention on health-related quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an online ACT-based narrative intervention (Lifestories) or the waitlist control condition (antidepressant treatment alone). It is hypothesized that participants who receive the LifeStories will result in decreased depression and increased quality of life, general functioning and decreased psychological inflexibility compared to the waitlist group.

Full description

The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of an online, self-guided ACT-based narrative intervention for adults currently taking antidepressant medication. To test the effects of LifeStories on depression severity, quality of life, general functioning and psychological inflexibility, the investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial with two conditions (LifeStories and waitlist control) using a sample of 90 adults currently taking antidepressant medication. Interested individuals will complete a screening survey to determine eligibility. After being informed about the study and potential risks, eligible participants who provide informed consent will be asked to complete a baseline survey. Participants will then be randomized to LifeStories or a waitlist control conditions, each lasting 4 weeks. Those in the waitlist group will be asked to not use other self-help websites or books for four weeks, after which they will be given weekly access to LifeStories modules. Participants in both groups will be asked to complete a midtreatment survey 2 weeks after baseline, and a posttreatment survey 4 weeks after baseline (i.e. after completing the 4-week video intervention for those in the active condition).

Enrollment: 90 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. 18 years of age or older
2. Currently residing in the United States
3. Currently taking antidepressant medication prescribed by a primary care provider (PCP)
4. Meets criteria for at least moderate depression on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire
5. Fluent in English
6. Reliable access to an internet browser, and internet speed that is sufficient for streaming online videos

Exclusion criteria

1. Change in medication regimen in past 6 weeks
2. Presently seeing a mental health specialist (e.g. psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, social worker)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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90 participants in 2 patient groups

Lifestories

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this condition will be actively participating in the online intervention for 4 weeks.

Treatment:

Behavioral: LifeStories

Waitlist Control Condition

No Intervention group

Description:

Participant in the waitlist group will be asked to not use other self-help websites or books for four weeks, after which they will be given weekly access to LifeStories modules. All participants will be asked to continue their antidepressant treatment as usual as directed by their primary care provider.