Incentives + Reminders for Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether personalized text messages, with or without financial rewards, can help individuals adhere to their depression medication and reduce depressive symptoms. It compares these strategies to usual care, which involves no reminders or incentives. The trial seeks individuals recently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, new to antidepressants, and who own a cell phone. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative support methods for managing depression.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must not have been treated with antidepressants in the past 90 days to participate.
What prior data suggests that these adherence support strategies are safe for patients with depression?
Research has shown that text messages, with or without financial rewards, are generally safe and well-received. Past studies using text messages to support health habits did not lead to serious problems. For instance, one study found that personalized text messages helped people manage their weight without major safety issues. Similarly, combining financial rewards with text messages has been used in other health areas, like managing diabetes, without reported harm.
For text messages without financial rewards, studies indicate they are safe and often welcomed by users. People generally enjoy receiving supportive messages, and no negative effects have been reported. Thus, both types of text messaging—whether they include financial rewards or not—appear safe based on past research.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments because they explore innovative ways to support people with depression through the use of personalized daily text messages. Unlike traditional approaches such as medication or therapy sessions, these methods leverage technology for daily engagement, potentially offering continuous support that fits into people's everyday lives. The addition of financial incentives in one arm of the study is particularly unique, as it may motivate individuals to engage more consistently with their treatment, potentially enhancing its effectiveness. These approaches aim to make managing depression more accessible and personalized, providing new avenues for those who may not respond to or have access to conventional treatments.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for depression?
This trial will compare the effects of personalized daily text messages, both with and without financial incentives, on depression management. Research has shown that personalized daily text messages with financial rewards can improve adherence to antidepressants and alleviate depression symptoms. In one study, participants who received these messages adhered better to their medication schedule. Another study found that individuals with obesity who received similar messages with financial rewards achieved better outcomes than those who did not.
For participants receiving personalized daily text messages without financial rewards, previous studies show mixed results. Some studies indicate these messages improve depression symptoms, while others report little change. However, one study found a 24% improvement in depression scores with supportive text messages. Overall, text messages may aid in managing depression, particularly when financial rewards are included.12367Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 21-64 with a clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder, who score at least 10 on the PHQ-9, have been prescribed antidepressants by their primary care doctor, are interested in medication adherence, own a cell phone and can use an electronic pill bottle. They must be Penn Medicine primary care outpatients.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive personalized daily text reminders with or without financial incentives to improve antidepressant adherence
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for antidepressant adherence and depression symptoms after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Personalized Daily Text Messages with Financial Incentives
- Personalized Daily Text Messages without Financial Incentives
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor