Digital CBT for Teenage Depression

(CBT+ Trial)

LB
Overseen ByLauren B Shomaker, PhD
Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Colorado State University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Adolescent depression is a major public health problem. Depression affects adolescents' emotional well-being now and in the future, and it also affects their physical health, especially the risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular and metabolic health problems. In adolescents with depression and obesity, evidence-based programs for depression, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), might improve physical health, in part by supporting healthy behaviors such as physical activity, nutritious eating, and getting enough sleep. Our preliminary studies provide support for this overarching hypothesis. If adolescents have access to a digital app to support practicing CBT skills in between program sessions, it might especially help them to learn skills that help to feel better and be healthier in their day-to-day lives. We are tailoring a digital app for this purpose and we will make changes to the app based on feedback from adolescents, their parents, and their doctors. Once the app is well-liked and helpful, and works well as a support for taking part in CBT, we will randomly assign 60 adolescents with depression and overweight/obesity to either "CBT+" - a CBT group program plus the app, or "CBT-only" - the CBT group program only. We will pilot test whether this research is feasible, likeable, and credible, learning information that will inform a larger study to test of CBT+ can support emotional well-being, health behavior, and cardiovascular and metabolic health in adolescents.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

Elevated depression symptoms, Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) ≥21
I am between 12 and 17 years old.
My BMI is at or above the 85th percentile for my age and sex.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnancy/breastfeeding (females)
Active suicidality or self-harm
I have had bariatric surgery, used weight loss medication, or lost over 3% body weight recently.
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What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Digitally Enhanced Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Cognitive-behavioral therapy-Plus (CBT+)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group II: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)Active Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Colorado State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
138
Recruited
38,200+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials
3,987
Recruited
47,860,000+