RRE App for Preventing Teen Depression
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: Northeastern University
Disqualifiers: Major depression, Mental disorders, others
No Placebo Group
Approved in 1 Jurisdiction
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?This trial tests a mobile app called RRE to help Chinese American teenagers feel better mentally. The app provides relaxation exercises and stress management activities with guidance from a virtual companion. Participants can earn rewards for using the app.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using a mobile app to improve wellbeing, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.
What data supports the effectiveness of the RRE treatment for preventing teen depression?
Research shows that mobile apps and computer-based programs using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help reduce depression symptoms in teens. Similar treatments like SPARX and MEMO have been effective in preventing or reducing depression in adolescents.
12345Is the RRE App safe for preventing teen depression?
There is no specific safety data available for the RRE App, but similar digital cognitive-behavioral interventions have been used safely in adolescents for conditions like anxiety and depression.
678910How is the RRE treatment different from other treatments for preventing teen depression?
The RRE treatment is unique because it focuses on empowering teens through relaxation, reflection, and empowerment techniques, which may improve interpersonal relationships and self-regulation, unlike other treatments that often focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication.
4581112Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for Chinese American adolescents aged 14-18, who can read at a sixth-grade level or higher. It's not suitable for those with severe depression or anxiety needing more treatment than the app provides, or other mental disorders.Inclusion Criteria
Participants must be CAAs (ethnic Chinese descent, born or grew up in the U.S) and meet the following inclusion criteria:
I am between 14 and 18 years old and currently enrolled in school.
I understand the study and have signed the consent form.
+1 more
Exclusion Criteria
Those who do not have sixth grade reading level to understand and complete the measures
Those who have a score of 3 or above in Patient Health Questionnaire-2 or Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (who need more extensive treatment than the RRE program can provide)
I do not have major depression or mental disorders that require more than the RRE program.
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Treatment
Participants are assigned to either the RRE intervention or control group for 3 months, with daily and weekly wellness check-ins
12 weeks
5 check-ins per week (virtual)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in depressive symptoms, coping self-efficacy, and psychological wellbeing one month after the intervention
4 weeks
1 assessment (virtual)
Participant Groups
The study tests if a mobile app called Relax, Reflect, and Empower (RRE) can improve psychological well-being and reduce depressive symptoms in participants compared to a control group receiving wellness check-in texts over three months.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Relax, Reflect, and Empower applicationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants in the RRE group will select an Avatar from a pool of 20 Avatars as their companion over the 3 months. The Avatar wellness check-in in the RRE group includes a daily brief check-in of 5-minute/day (4 days/week), and a weekly full wellness check-in of 15 minutes/week for 3 months. The daily brief check-in includes a wellbeing and mood check and a 3-minute relaxation meditation. The weekly full wellness check-in includes reflection activities in addition to the daily check-in activities.
Group II: Daily check-in text messagesActive Control1 Intervention
Participants will receive a wellness check-in text message 5 days/week \[4 daily wellness check-in (2-3 minutes/day) +1 weekly wellness check-in (4-5 minutes/week)\] for 3 months.
Relax, Reflect, Empower-RRE is already approved in United States for the following indications:
🇺🇸 Approved in United States as RRE for:
- Prevention of depressive symptoms in Chinese American adolescents
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Northeastern UniversityBoston, MA
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Northeastern UniversityLead Sponsor
Florida A&M UniversityCollaborator
Florida State UniversityCollaborator
References
Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a smartphone application intervention for subthreshold depression. [2019]We developed a motion picture-reproducing smartphone application (app) designed to improve self-confidence in individuals with subthreshold depression (StD) and examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an app intervention for individuals with StD.
MEMO: an mHealth intervention to prevent the onset of depression in adolescents: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. [2019]Depression often starts in adolescence making it an ideal time to intervene. We developed a universal cognitive behavioural therapy-based programme (MEMO CBT) to be delivered via multimedia mobile phone messages for teens.
Development and Open Trial of a Technology-Enhanced Family Intervention for Adolescents at Risk for Mood Disorders. [2022]Integrating psychosocial interventions with mobile apps may increase treatment engagement among adolescents. We examined the user experience, uptake, and clinical effects of a mobile-enhanced family-focused therapy (FFT) among adolescents at risk for mood disorders.
Computerized CBT for adolescent depression ("Stressbusters") and its initial evaluation through an extended case series. [2022]"Stressbusters" is an interactive computer software programme based on a clinically effective face-to-face CBT protocol for young people with depression. It was designed for teenagers with mild to moderate depression, and comprises eight 45-minute sessions.
The effectiveness of SPARX, a computerised self help intervention for adolescents seeking help for depression: randomised controlled non-inferiority trial. [2022]To evaluate whether a new computerised cognitive behavioural therapy intervention (SPARX, Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts) could reduce depressive symptoms in help seeking adolescents as much or more than treatment as usual.
Exploring needs, interests and preferences for digital mind-body tools for adolescents. [2023]Sleep problems are common among adolescents and research on mind-body interventions for sleep is promising. Although technology-based mind-body interventions have been shown to help early adolescents with practicing mind-body approaches, engagement and adherence has been a challenge. Using a Human-Centered Design framework with semi-structured interviews with parent-adolescent dyads, we describe exposure to, interest in, and preferences for digital mind-body technology for sleep. Identified challenges (e.g., 'establish routine', 'busy schedule) and preferences (e.g., age-appropriate content) reflect mind-body technology needs that impact engagement. Based on these findings, we recommend that a technology-based mind-body approach for early adolescents be designed to 1) provide content customized for adolescents 2) include functionalities that engage adolescents like games and rewards, and 3) allow for granular sharing controls. These recommendations provide a foundation for designing digital mind-body tools for adolescents.
Pilot evaluation of the Sleep Ninja: a smartphone application for adolescent insomnia symptoms. [2020]The aim of this study was to test the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of a recently developed smartphone application, Sleep Ninja, for adolescent sleep difficulties.
Revising Computerized Therapy for Wider Appeal Among Adolescents: Youth Perspectives on a Revised Version of SPARX. [2023]Background: The way in which computerized therapy is presented may be important for its uptake. We aimed to explore adolescents' views on the appeal of a tested computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) for depression (SPARX), and a revised version (SPARX-R). The versions were similar but while SPARX is presented explicitly as a treatment for depression, SPARX-R is presented as providing skills that could be useful for young people for when they were depressed, down, angry, or stressed. Methods: We held 9 focus groups with a total of 79 adolescents (13-19 years old; 47 females; 34 New Zealand European; 22 Māori or Pacific; 60 reported having experienced feeling down or low for at least several days in a row). Groups viewed the opening sequences of SPARX and SPARX-R (in random order), then took part in a semi-structured discussion and completed a brief questionnaire. Responses were analyzed using a general inductive approach. Results: Participants considered both SPARX and SPARX-R useful and considered the stated purpose of the program to be important. Four themes contrasted the two approaches. The first, "naming depression is risky", referred to perceptions that an explicit focus on depression could be off-putting, including for adolescents with depression. The second theme of "universality" reflected preferences for a universal approach as young people might not recognize that they were depressed, and all would benefit from the program. In contrast, "validation" reflected the view of a significant minority that naming depression could be validating for some. Finally, the theme of "choice" reflected a near-unanimously expressed preference for both options to be offered, allowing user choice. In questionnaire responses, 40 (68%) of participants preferred SPARX-R, 13 (18%) preferred SPARX, while 10 (14%) "didn't mind". Responses were similar among participants who reported that they had experienced at least a few days of low mood and those who had not. Conclusions: The way a CCBT program is presented may have implications for its appeal. The potential population impact of CCBT programs explicitly targeting depression and those targeting more universal feelings such as being stressed or feeling depressed should be explored for varied user groups.
A Digital Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Depression and Anxiety Among Adolescents and Young Adults. [2023]Adolescents and young adults frequently experience anxiety and depression. The authors evaluated engagement in and effects of a coach-enhanced digital cognitive-behavioral intervention (dCBI; RxWell) targeting emotional distress in this age group. The dCBI app was prescribed to 506 adolescents and young adults at 35 pediatric practices; 278 enrolled in the app, of whom 58% engaged and 63% messaged their coach. Patients completed monthly General Anxiety Disorder-7 and eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire assessments, and a subset completed qualitative interviews. The dCBI app was associated with a significant reduction in anxiety and depression at 1 and 3 months. A dCBI is feasible as part of routine pediatric care and associated with reduced emotional distress.
Personalised app-based relapse prevention of depressive and anxiety disorders in remitted adolescents and young adults: a protocol of the StayFine RCT. [2022]Youth in remission of depression or anxiety have high risks of relapse. Relapse prevention interventions may prevent chronicity. Aim of the study is therefore to (1) examine efficacy of the personalised StayFine app for remitted youth and (2) identify high-risk groups for relapse and resilience.
A qualitative investigation of adolescents' perceived mechanisms of change from a universal school-based depression prevention program. [2021]A recent meta-analysis provides evidence supporting the universal application of school-based prevention programs for adolescent depression. The mechanisms underlying such successful interventions, however, are largely unknown. We report on a qualitative analysis of 109 Grade 9 students' beliefs about what they gained from an evidence-based depression prevention intervention, the Resourceful Adolescent Program (RAP-A). Fifty-four percent of interviewees articulated at least one specific example of program benefit. A thematic analysis of responses revealed two major themes, improved interpersonal relationships and improved self-regulation, both stronger than originally assumed. A more minor theme also emerged-more helpful cognitions. It is postulated that both improved interpersonal relationships and improved self-regulation are likely to enhance one another, and more helpful cognitions may express its contribution through enhanced self-regulation. These findings broaden our understanding of the impact of depression prevention programs, beginning to illuminate how such programs benefit participants.
The efficacy of a universal school-based program to prevent adolescent depression. [2022]Evaluated whether a universal school-based program, designed to prevent depression in adolescents, could be effectively implemented within the constraints of the school environment. Participants were 260 Year 9 secondary school students. Students completed measures of depressive symptoms and hopelessness and were then assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (a) Resourceful Adolescent Program-Adolescents (RAP-A), an 11-session school-based resilience building program, as part of the school curriculum; (b) Resourceful Adolescent Program-Family (RAP-F), the same program as in RAP-A, but in which each student's parents were also invited to participate in a 3-session parent program; and (c) Adolescent Watch, a comparison group in which adolescents simply completed the measures. The program was implemented with a high recruitment (88%), low attrition rate (5.8%), and satisfactory adherence to program protocol. Adolescents in either of the RAP programs reported significantly lower levels of depressive symptomatology and hopelessness at post-intervention and 10-month follow-up, compared with those in the comparison group. Adolescents also reported high satisfaction with the program. The study provides evidence for the efficacy of a school-based universal program designed to prevent depression in adolescence.