What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common side effects of treatments aimed at improving social connectedness, such as Behavioral Activation, include temporary increases in anxiety or distress as individuals confront and change their behaviors. There may also be initial discomfort or resistance to engaging in new activities or social interactions. These side effects are generally mild and tend to decrease over time as individuals adapt to the new behaviors and begin to experience positive outcomes.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no specific FDA-approved treatments solely for improving social connectedness. However, behavioral activation, which encourages engagement in meaningful activities to improve mood and social connectedness, is a component of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is widely used and has been shown to be effective in treating various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which can indirectly improve social connectedness. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also used to treat these conditions and may help improve social engagement as a secondary benefit.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to Behavioral Activation for improving social connectedness include: <ol> <li>Digital self-help interventions, such as internet-based guided self-help programs and smartphone applications, which have shown efficacy in other behavioral health contexts.</li> <li></li> </ol> Mobile phone-based interventions, including text messaging programs that provide personalized support and motivational messages. 3. Social network-based interventions, such as those utilizing platforms like Facebook or Twitter to create supportive communities for behavior change.

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Behavioral Activation for Social Connectedness

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Renée L Pepin, PhD

Research Sponsored by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 12 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests a therapy that helps older adults who feel isolated by encouraging them to do activities they enjoy, aiming to make them happier and more socially connected.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for older adults over 60 who are part of a home-delivered meals program and feel disconnected socially. It's not for those with significant depression, suicide risk, cognitive issues, severe hearing or vision problems that prevent using tele-conferencing tools, non-English speakers, people unable to consent, minors, pregnant women or prisoners.

What is being tested?

The study tests a Brief Behavioral Activation technique aimed at improving social connections among seniors. The effectiveness will be measured by staff from the Area Agency on Aging who work with these individuals.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this is a behavioral intervention focusing on social activities rather than medication or medical procedures, traditional physical side effects are not expected. However, participants may experience emotional discomfort.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 12 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~12 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 12 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Social Connectedness A, Baseline

Social Connectedness A, Change from Baseline to Post Intervention

Social Connectedness A, Change from Post Intervention to Follow Up

+3 more

Secondary study objectives

Intervention Reach

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Brief Behavioral Activation for Improving Social ConnectednessExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Active, 6 session Brief Behavioral Activation for Improving Social Connectedness

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Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Behavioral Activation (BA) is a common treatment for improving social connectedness, focusing on encouraging individuals to engage in meaningful and positively reinforcing activities. This approach helps counteract patterns of avoidance and withdrawal by promoting active participation in social and recreational activities. By doing so, BA enhances mood, builds social relationships, and reduces feelings of isolation, which are crucial for individuals experiencing low social connectedness.

Post-treatment stage of change predicts 12-month outcome of treatment for alcohol problems.