Before medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or before certain therapy methods are widely accepted as effective, they are tested on people who volunteer to participate in a clinical trial.

Organizations across the country are looking for people like you to take part in their research studies. The list of studies below have been selected from ClinicalTrials.gov based on their inclusion of one or more of the following terms: anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is supportive of research that is conducted through clinical trials. Participating in research can potentially help change the mental health outcomes for you and others who suffer anxiety, depression, and related disorders. You may learn about new interventions/treatments that are being considered.

Read this ADAA blog about things to know and questions to ask before committing to a clinical trial.

This website page is brought to you in partnership with ResearchMatch.


846 matching studies

Sponsor Condition of Interest
A Study to Evaluate TNX-102 SL Monotherapy Versus Placebo in Participants With Major Depressive Dis1
Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Major Depressive Episode (MDE) Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Depression
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a drug called TNX-102 SL works to treat moderate to severe major depressive disorder in adults. It will also learn about the safety of TNX-102 SL. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does TNX-102 SL improve depression symptoms according to a dep1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a drug called TNX-102 SL works to treat moderate to severe major depressive disorder in adults. It will also learn about the safety of TNX-102 SL. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does TNX-102 SL improve depression symptoms according to a depression symptom rating scale? What medical problems do participants have when taking TNX-102 SL? Researchers will compare TNX-102 SL to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if TNX-102 SL works to treat major depressive disorder. Participants will: Take TNX-102 SL or a placebo every night at bedtime for 6 weeks Visit the clinic once every 2 weeks for checkups and tests

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2026

open study

A Study of Brenipatide in Adult Participants With Bipolar Disorder (RENEW-Bipolar-1)
Eli Lilly and Company Bipolar Disorder
The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of brenipatide when administered with standard of care (SoC), compared with placebo plus SoC in delaying the worsening of bipolar disorder symptoms. The trial is divided into three periods as follows: Screening period that will last ap1 expand

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of brenipatide when administered with standard of care (SoC), compared with placebo plus SoC in delaying the worsening of bipolar disorder symptoms. The trial is divided into three periods as follows: Screening period that will last approximately 1 month, treatment period that will last a minimum of 6 months, and the follow up period that will last approximately 2 months. The duration of study participation may vary and may be shortened if bipolar symptoms worsen or if withdrawal from the study occurs for any reason.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2025

open study

A Randomized Study of Azetukalner Versus Placebo in Depressive Episodes Associated With Bipolar I o1
Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Depression Bipolar I Disorder Bipolar II Disorder
X-CEED is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of azetukalner in adult participants diagnosed with bipolar I or II disorder who are currently in a depressive episode (bipolar depression). expand

X-CEED is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of azetukalner in adult participants diagnosed with bipolar I or II disorder who are currently in a depressive episode (bipolar depression).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2025

open study

Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention + Bright Light in Adolescents With Elevated Depres1
University of Pittsburgh Sleep Disturbance Sleep Depression Suicide
The goal of this clinical trial is to adapt a sleep intervention for individuals representative of all demographic groups, including those who are at the highest risk for suicidal behavior. Sleep difficulties are a promising target for youth with suicidal thoughts and behavior to focus on as a prev1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to adapt a sleep intervention for individuals representative of all demographic groups, including those who are at the highest risk for suicidal behavior. Sleep difficulties are a promising target for youth with suicidal thoughts and behavior to focus on as a prevention measure. We aim to increase intervention acceptability and impact by adapting it for the adolescent populations at highest risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. The research project will compare Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention (TranS-C), an evidence based, modularized intervention that targets a range of sleep difficulties to a treatment as usual or control condition including providing weekly sleep feedback reports from data entered into a daily sleep diary and from wearing a sleep sensing, actigraphy watch. Participants in both conditions (TranS-C vs. Sleep Feedback) will wear an actigraphy sleep watch that monitors sleep, and complete daily sleep diaries via smartphone or email. Participants in the TranS-C condition will also wear bright light (BL) and blue blocking glasses each day as well as attend weekly or biweekly sessions with a Sleep Therapist. The sleep therapist will review sleep feedback during sessions.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2025

open study

A Study to Assess the Long-term Safety of KarXT for the Treatment of Manic Episodes in Bipolar-I Di1
Bristol-Myers Squibb Bipolar Disorder Type I With Mania
This is a phase 3, open-label extension study to assess the long-term safety of KarXT for the treatment of mania or mania with mixed features in Bipolar-I disorder (BP-I) The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of KarXT in the treatment of participan1 expand

This is a phase 3, open-label extension study to assess the long-term safety of KarXT for the treatment of mania or mania with mixed features in Bipolar-I disorder (BP-I) The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of KarXT in the treatment of participants with mania or mania with mixed features associated with BP-I.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2025

open study

Neurofeedback Enhanced Cognitive Reappraisal Training - Phase 4
University of Michigan Anxiety Social Anxiety Disorder Panic Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder
This study seeks to understand emotion regulation in those with young adults with anxiety using real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback, a tool that allows individuals to control brain activity. The goal of this project is to understand how receiving feedback about one's own b1 expand

This study seeks to understand emotion regulation in those with young adults with anxiety using real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback, a tool that allows individuals to control brain activity. The goal of this project is to understand how receiving feedback about one's own brain activity relates to emotion regulation ability. This work will help the study team understand the brain areas involved in emotion regulation and could lay the groundwork to test if psychotherapy outcomes can be enhanced using neurofeedback. The study hypotheses include: - Participants receiving veritable-Neurofeedback (NF) will show a greater activation increases in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) compared to sham-NF - Participants receiving veritable-NF will show greater cognitive reappraisal (CR) ability compared to those receiving sham-NF - PFC activation will positively correlate with CR ability

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2025

open study

DBS for Depression
Northwell Health Treatment Resistant Depression
The goal of this clinical trial is to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of deep brain stimulation in treatment resistant depression. The main questions it aims to answer are: - Is deep brain stimulation effective in treating treatment resistant depression? - Does deep brain stimulation1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of deep brain stimulation in treatment resistant depression. The main questions it aims to answer are: - Is deep brain stimulation effective in treating treatment resistant depression? - Does deep brain stimulation improve overall clinical well-being and functioning? Participants will be implanted with a deep brain stimulation device. They will then be monitored over a 5-year period by using multiple questionnaires to track their depression symptoms. The device will be turned off at certain time points, unbeknown to the participant, to show the efficacy of the device when it is turned on. The device will be ON for 8.5 months and OFF for 3.5 months during the first year. Researchers will compare questionnaire scores when the device is off versus on to see if the device is working in reducing depression.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2023

open study

Clinical Trial for Integrated Care to Help At Risk Teen (iCHART) Intervention
University of Pittsburgh Suicide and Depression Adolescent Behavior
This protocol will test the effectiveness of an intervention, iCHART (integrated Care to Help At-Risk Teens) and facilitate recruitment for other studies in the larger ETUDES Center grant, which are focused on treatment development for target risk factors for suicidal behavior, specifically, sleep,1 expand

This protocol will test the effectiveness of an intervention, iCHART (integrated Care to Help At-Risk Teens) and facilitate recruitment for other studies in the larger ETUDES Center grant, which are focused on treatment development for target risk factors for suicidal behavior, specifically, sleep, anhedonia, and stress related to cybervictimization. This study will recruit 900 adolescents which will be enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to test iCHART and will be randomized to iCHART or treatment as usual (TAU). Based on previous work, the investigators hypothesize that iCHART, compared to TAU, will decrease suicidal-related events by 50%, and the effects will be mediated by increases in referrals, treatment engagement, and safety planning. The investigators will use implementation science methods to assess contextual factors (i.e., barriers and facilitators) and implementation outcomes specifically, acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, and cost for our predictive algorithm and iCHART to inform future implementation efforts and promote health equity.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

RXWell to Decrease Post-Operative Opioid Use in Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty
University of Pittsburgh Mood Disorders Anxiety Depressive Symptoms Depression Anxiety Disorders
It is envisioned that multipronged benefits from this pilot work for the UPMC ISD and its members. It is expected the RxWell platform to provide the following benefits: expansion of the use of RxWell to all UPMC ISD members providing peri-operative mood management with advantage of improved peri-op1 expand

It is envisioned that multipronged benefits from this pilot work for the UPMC ISD and its members. It is expected the RxWell platform to provide the following benefits: expansion of the use of RxWell to all UPMC ISD members providing peri-operative mood management with advantage of improved peri-operative outcomes, improving saving for the UPMC ISD by hastening the recovery and decreased resource utilization, and addition to the high-value care of UPMC with this holistic approach to patient perioperative care

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

A Study to Assess Change in Disease Activity and Adverse Events (AEs) With Cariprazine in the Treat1
AbbVie Depression Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a severe chronic mood disorder that affects up to 4% of the adult population and 1.8% of the pediatric population in the United States. The treatment of the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder in the pediatric population has not been as widely studied as the treatment of dep1 expand

Bipolar disorder is a severe chronic mood disorder that affects up to 4% of the adult population and 1.8% of the pediatric population in the United States. The treatment of the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder in the pediatric population has not been as widely studied as the treatment of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder in adults, therefore pharmacotherapeutic options are limited. Given the change in disease state and safety demonstrated in adults with depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the change in disease state and safety of cariprazine in the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in the pediatric population. Cariprazine is an approved drug for the treatment of depressive episodes in adult participants with bipolar I disorder. Study doctors put participants in 1 of 2 groups, called treatment arms. There is a 1 in 2 chance that a participant will be assigned to placebo. Around 380 Participants ages 10-17 years with bipolar I disorder will be enrolled in approximately 60 sites worldwide. Participants receiving the study drug will receive Dose A or B of Cariprazine based on age and weight. At Week 3, participants with insufficient response will have their dose increased to Dose B or Dose C, while participants with sufficient response will continue receiving the Dose A or B for the remainder of the treatment period. The treatment period will be followed by a safety follow-up (SFU) period for 4 weeks. There may be higher treatment burden for participants in this trial compared to their standard of care. Participants will attend regular weekly visits during the study at a hospital or clinic. The effect of the treatment will be checked by medical assessments, blood tests, checking for side effects and completing questionnaires.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2021

open study

Defining Neurobiological Links Between Substance Use and Mental Illness
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Major Depressive Disorder Substance Use Disorder Normal Physiology
Background: Nicotine dependence leads to about 480,000 deaths every year in the United States. People with major depressive disorder (MDD) are twice as likely to use nicotine compared to the general population. They have greater withdrawal symptoms and are more likely to relapse after quitting com1 expand

Background: Nicotine dependence leads to about 480,000 deaths every year in the United States. People with major depressive disorder (MDD) are twice as likely to use nicotine compared to the general population. They have greater withdrawal symptoms and are more likely to relapse after quitting compared with smokers without MDD. More research is needed on how nicotine affects brain function in those with MDD. Objective: To understand how nicotine affects symptoms of depression and related brain function. Eligibility: People aged 18 to 60 years, at the time of consent, with and without MDD who do not smoke cigarettes or use other nicotine products. Design: Participants will have 2 or 3 study visits over 1 year. Participants will have 2 MRI scans no less than 4 days apart. Each scan visit will last 5 to 7 hours. At each scan, they will have urine and breath tests to screen for recent use of alcohol, nicotine, and illegal drugs. Before each scan, they will take 1 of 2 medications: nicotine or placebo. Participants will receive each medication once. They will not know which medication they are receiving at each scan. For each MRI scan, they will lie on a table that slides into a cylinder. Sometimes they will be asked to lie still. Sometimes they will complete tasks on a computer. Tasks may include identifying colors or playing games to win money. Each scan will take about 2 hours. Participants will answer questions about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors before and after each scan. They will have a blood test after each scan.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2023

open study

Baseline Anxiety Trajectories in Pediatric Radiation Therapy Observational Cohort
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Anxiety Radiation
This is a prospective, observational cohort study of pediatric patients ages 2-12 undergoing radiation therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center. expand

This is a prospective, observational cohort study of pediatric patients ages 2-12 undergoing radiation therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Type: Observational

Start Date: May 2026

open study

Mindfulness Engaged Neurostimulation for Depression (MEND II)
University of California, San Diego Depression Treatment Resistant Depression Major Depressive Disorder Depressive Disorder Depressive Symptoms
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-approved therapy for treatment resistant depression (TRD) that involves brief magnetic stimulation pulses on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) brain region. But studies of rTMS alone show remission rates of ~30%. Additionally, r1 expand

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-approved therapy for treatment resistant depression (TRD) that involves brief magnetic stimulation pulses on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) brain region. But studies of rTMS alone show remission rates of ~30%. Additionally, rTMS has not been shown to improve cognitive functioning that may be an independent factor predicting treatment success. This study will develop a novel multimodal treatment, which combines intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) - a type of rTMS with digital mindfulness training to engage brain plasticity, enhance cognition and alleviate depression symptoms in individuals with TRD.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2026

open study

ACT Together: Implementing a Web-Based Program With Brief Coaching for Parents of Children With Dis1
University of South Florida Parents Children With Disabilities Stress Depression
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and preliminary benefits of implementing ACT Together for parents of children with disabilities in pediatric outpatient clinics. ACT Together includes six self-paced, web-based modules and brief weekly one-on-one coaching se1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and preliminary benefits of implementing ACT Together for parents of children with disabilities in pediatric outpatient clinics. ACT Together includes six self-paced, web-based modules and brief weekly one-on-one coaching sessions led by a trained occupational therapist. The program is based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which teaches practical skills to help people handle stress and difficult thoughts or feelings while taking steps toward what matters to them. The main questions this study aims to answer are: - Can parents and occupational therapists complete the study activities as planned (e.g., module completion, coaching sessions, and surveys)? - Is the program usable and acceptable/appropriate/feasible to implement in this setting? - Do parents show improvements in mental health and coping-related outcomes after participating in the program? - What are the experiences and perspectives of parents and therapists regarding the program? Parents as participants will: - Complete six self-paced web-based modules and brief weekly individual phone coaching sessions with a trained occupational therapist working in pediatric outpatient clinics. - Complete online questionnaires before starting and after completing the program. - Take part in one online interview about their experiences and perspectives on the program. Occupational therapists as participants will: - Complete therapist training materials and deliver brief individual phone coaching sessions to parent participants, including completing a post-session checklist. - Complete brief online questionnaires before starting and after delivering the program. - Take part in one online interview about their experiences and perspectives on the program.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2026

open study

An Examination of the Performance of QbMobile in Differential Diagnosis Associated With ADHD Sympto1
Qbtech AB Bi-Polar Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Major Depression Disorders Separation Anxiety Disorder Social Anxiety Disorder
The purpose of this study is to evaluate QbMobile's ability to collect objective data to identify specific symptom profiles in differential diagnoses (ASD, MDD, Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety Disorder) that are common with ADHD. expand

The purpose of this study is to evaluate QbMobile's ability to collect objective data to identify specific symptom profiles in differential diagnoses (ASD, MDD, Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety Disorder) that are common with ADHD.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2026

open study

The COMParing App Support Strategies Study
University of Wisconsin, Madison Depression, Anxiety
The overall purpose of this study is to help determine how best to incorporate small amounts of human and digital support into a meditation app. The meditation app used is the Healthy Minds Program (HMP) which provides training in four pillars of well-being (Awareness, Connection, Insight, Purpose)1 expand

The overall purpose of this study is to help determine how best to incorporate small amounts of human and digital support into a meditation app. The meditation app used is the Healthy Minds Program (HMP) which provides training in four pillars of well-being (Awareness, Connection, Insight, Purpose) through a combination of podcast-style didactic material and guided meditation practices.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2026

open study

The Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Insulin Resistance in People With HIV
Indiana University HIV Depression in Adults Insulin Resistance Cognitive Behavior Therapy
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if depression treatment improves insulin resistance, or how the body uses insulin to lower blood sugar, in people with HIV on HIV treatment. Researchers will compare an internet-based (online) depression treatment program called cognitive behavioral thera1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if depression treatment improves insulin resistance, or how the body uses insulin to lower blood sugar, in people with HIV on HIV treatment. Researchers will compare an internet-based (online) depression treatment program called cognitive behavioral therapy with depression education. In the online group, participants will undergo 9 weekly treatment sessions. The education group will receive learning materials about depression and will be monitored every month. All participants will have 4 study visits over 12 months.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2026

open study

A Phase 2 Study of Zelquistinel or Placebo for the Reduction of Symptoms of Major Depressive Disord1
Syndeio Biosciences, Inc Major Depressive Disorder
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if zelquistinel works to treat depression in adults. It will also learn about the safety of zelquistinel. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does zelquistinel reduce depression scores in participants compared to participants who take a placebo (a1 expand

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if zelquistinel works to treat depression in adults. It will also learn about the safety of zelquistinel. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does zelquistinel reduce depression scores in participants compared to participants who take a placebo (a look-alike tablet that contains no zelquistinel1)? What medical problems are observed in participants who take zelquistinel? Participants will take one tablet of zelquistinel or placebo every week for 6 weeks. Participants will visit the clinic every week of the 6 week period to have the severity of their depression evaluated.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2026

open study

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of SPT-300 (GlyphAllo) in Participants With Major Depre1
Seaport Therapeutics Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Major Depressive Disorder With Anxious Distress
This is a randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, monotherapy study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of SPT-300 (GlyphAllo) in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), with or without anxious distress. expand

This is a randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, monotherapy study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of SPT-300 (GlyphAllo) in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), with or without anxious distress.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2025

open study

Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of RAP-219 in Adult Participants With Bipolar I Disorder
Rapport Therapeutics Inc. Bipolar 1 Disorder
This is a clinical research study for an investigational drug called RAP-219 in participants with bipolar I disorder. This study is being conducted to determine if RAP-219 is safe and effective in participants experiencing mania associated with bipolar I disorder. expand

This is a clinical research study for an investigational drug called RAP-219 in participants with bipolar I disorder. This study is being conducted to determine if RAP-219 is safe and effective in participants experiencing mania associated with bipolar I disorder.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2025

open study

Stratified Pharmacological Approaches for Regulating Circuit-Level Effects
Stanford University Depression - Major Depressive Disorder
This research study aims to understand how people with depression respond to the medication pramipexole and to determine whether clinical response differs depending on the function of specific circuits in the brain. The investigators hope to learn which circuits are involved in depression and how t1 expand

This research study aims to understand how people with depression respond to the medication pramipexole and to determine whether clinical response differs depending on the function of specific circuits in the brain. The investigators hope to learn which circuits are involved in depression and how these circuits interact with pramipexole to affect mood, behavior, and cognition. Eligible participants will undergo an 8-week treatment course of pramipexole followed by a 2-week down taper and follow up. The ultimate goal is to offer people experiencing depression a medication that is alternative to ones that may not have worked in the past and to apply the knowledge the investigators gain from investigating the brain circuits involved in depression to help personalize treatment. The investigators invite anyone who has recently experienced symptoms of depression to participate. A prior diagnosis of depression is not required.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2026

open study

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Sexual Assault-Related PTSD
Sunstone Medical Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
A Phase 2, Open-Label Study to explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of psilocybin-assisted therapy in women with sexual assault-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). expand

A Phase 2, Open-Label Study to explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of psilocybin-assisted therapy in women with sexual assault-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2026

open study

Well-being Training for Adolescent Depressive Symptoms (TeenWell Study)
University of Wisconsin, Madison Depression
This study is being done to see if the Healthy Minds Program app helps adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms. Up to 200 participants will be on study for 20 weeks. expand

This study is being done to see if the Healthy Minds Program app helps adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms. Up to 200 participants will be on study for 20 weeks.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2024

open study

IMPACT (IMproving Proactive Approaches for Cancer Survivors' Mental Health Treatment)
Medical University of South Carolina Depression Depressive Symptoms Cancer
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate a mobile application (app) for depression treatment called "Moodivate" among cancer survivors. Moodivate was developed by our research team to assist with the treatment of depressed mood. Participants will be randomly assigned to either download th1 expand

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate a mobile application (app) for depression treatment called "Moodivate" among cancer survivors. Moodivate was developed by our research team to assist with the treatment of depressed mood. Participants will be randomly assigned to either download the mobile app, "Moodivate", or not. Approximately 2/3 of participants enrolled will receive the mobile app and the remaining 1/3 will not. All participants will complete electronic questionnaire measures throughout the study period. Questionnaires will assess symptoms of depression, as well as your experiences using Moodivate and participating in this trial. Participation in this study will take about 12 weeks, beginning today. Participation in this study may help in the treatment of future cancer survivors. The greatest risks of this study include frustration, worsening of emotional distress, data breach, and/or loss of confidentiality. Alternative treatments include contacting your primary care provider or your oncology care team to discuss other available treatments for depressed mood.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2024

open study

Examining the Efficacy of a Digital Therapeutic to Prevent Suicidal Behaviors
University of Memphis Suicidal Behaviors Suicide Ideation Depression/Anxiety
The primary aim of the project is to test the efficacy of BCBT delivered via a digital platform (i.e., smartphone) to Servicemembers with recent suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts presenting to primary care clinics. Given existing challenges of scaling empirically-supported treatments/interv1 expand

The primary aim of the project is to test the efficacy of BCBT delivered via a digital platform (i.e., smartphone) to Servicemembers with recent suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts presenting to primary care clinics. Given existing challenges of scaling empirically-supported treatments/interventions for suicidality with fidelity, this project could lead to markedly expanded access to BCBT, along with improving our understanding about what intervention strategies are most effective and how they can be delivered with meaningful fidelity. Aviva, the digital version of BCBT, was developed for use with patients across the full spectrum of healthcare settings, including primary care. Aviva is not an emergency alert system, rather a digital platform for delivery of the full scope of BCBT treatment components. An open-label single group Phase I clinical trial has demonstrated the safety, tolerability, feasibility, fidelity, and potential efficacy of Aviva, with participants completing modules over 8 weeks, and follow-up assessments at weeks 1, 4, and 8. Subsequent refinements included the addition of technical features that would allow patients to revisit and/or repeat previously completed modules, along with integration of more characters for delivering video vignettes and greater opportunities for skills practice and treatment engagement. These modifications have further enhanced Aviva safety, tolerability, and fidelity, consistent with the original BCBT protocol. Not only is it hypothesized that Aviva will result in significantly larger reductions in severity of suicidal ideation than participants randomized to the control condition, but also that greater app engagement will be negatively correlated with severity of suicidal thinking. Moderators and mediators (i.e. suicidal beliefs, wish to live, impulsive decision-making) of intervention effects will also be examined. The study will be conducted at the primary care clinics at Fort Carson, with a goal of enrolling 720 patients across a two-year timeframe. Participants will be identified using each clinic's existing suicide risk assessment methods, including the PHQ-9 suicide risk item and a score of 1 or higher on the CSSRS Screener (Recent). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions, Aviva or control (i.e., development of a safety plan consistent with local procedures and policies, along with referral for standard mental health care and suicide risk management in accordance with local policies and procedures). In an effort to address potential performance bias specific to smartphone use, participants in the control condition will download the Suicide Safety Plan app to their smartphones. Those in the Aviva condition will also complete weekly check-ins with Project 2 research clinicians to review treatment adherence, identify and respond to any logistical/operational problems, and respond to any unexpected emergencies and/or participant safety concerns. Participants will have up to five data points: baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. All data available from all participants and all time points will be included in the analyses, consistent with the intent-to-treat principle. Across our two previous clinical trials and our in-progress RCT, attrition during the first 12 months postbaseline was <30% and we anticipate similar rates in this trial.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2024

open study