Healthy Minds Program App for Mental Health

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Disqualifiers: Psychosis, Mania, Suicidal ideation, others

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?

This trial tests a mobile app designed to enhance mental well-being through personalized use. Researchers aim to assess how various features, such as the order of lessons or supportive messages, impact mental health over time. Participants should show signs of depression and be comfortable using a smartphone in English. It is ideal for those who have not previously tried meditation or the Healthy Minds Program (HMP) app. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health research and potentially improve well-being.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators for guidance.

What prior data suggests that the Healthy Minds Program app is safe?

Research has shown that the Healthy Minds Program (HMP) app is generally safe for users. The app includes meditation exercises to improve mental health. Studies have found that using the app for just 5 minutes a day can greatly reduce stress and anxiety. No reports of harmful effects have emerged from using the app. As a digital tool, it lacks the side effects associated with medications. Instead, it guides users through mindfulness exercises to support well-being. Overall, the app is well-received and designed to boost mental health without causing harm.¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Healthy Minds Program (HMP) app because it offers a fresh approach to mental health care through digital means. Unlike traditional treatments that often require in-person therapy sessions or medication, the HMP app provides an accessible and flexible platform for mental wellness through your smartphone. This app is unique because it personalizes the user experience by tailoring module orders based on individual scores, providing practice-nudging messages, and offering targeted microsupport messages. These innovative features could make mental health support more engaging and effective, potentially reaching a wider audience with greater convenience.

What evidence suggests that the Healthy Minds Program app could be effective for mental health?

Research has shown that the Healthy Minds Program (HMP) app may improve mental well-being. Studies have found that it can lower stress and boost overall happiness in users. The app excels at enhancing social interactions, which are crucial for mental health. It includes features like mindfulness meditation, commonly found in many successful mental health apps. These early findings suggest that the HMP app could serve as a useful tool for mental health support.² ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹

Who Is on the Research Team?

Simon Goldberg, PhD

Principal Investigator

Center for Healthy Minds

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with elevated symptoms of depression who have access to a smartphone and internet, can understand English, and receive text messages. It's not for those with prior meditation experience, history of psychosis or mania, travel plans within six weeks, suicidal thoughts, non-US citizens or residents, or previous users of the HMP app.

Inclusion Criteria

Access to a smartphone and internet

Proficiency in English

Ability to receive text messages

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Exclusion Criteria

Prior experience with meditation

History of psychosis or mania

Plans to travel in the next six weeks

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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage with the Healthy Minds Program app with various training conditions over a 4-week period

4 weeks

Weekly surveys

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention period

3 months

Monthly surveys

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

Healthy Minds Program (HMP) app

Trial Overview

The study tests an enhanced version of the Healthy Minds Program (HMP) app designed to improve long-term well-being through personalized features. Participants will use the intervention for four weeks followed by three months of follow-up.