Evaluating a Mobile App for Students Seeking Care for Depression and Anxiety at Harvard University Health Services
Completed · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Depression, Anxiety
In brief
Brief Summary: Background: There is a growing demand for mental health services on college campuses. At the same time there has been a dramatic surge in development of mobile mental health apps. Given the widespread popularity and utilization of mobile apps in the college-age population, there is an opportunity to leverage these tools to improve services. The study aims to evaluate the effects of a mobile app on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety for students awaiting their first visit at Harvard Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and on enhancing recovery after beginning treatment. Methods: Students seeking an appointment at Harvard CAMHS who meet eligibility criteria will be randomized to receive one of two apps: a direct online social support (7cups) or an app that provides information about community, health, wellness, academic, and support resources on campus (Bliss). Participants will complete a baseline assessment using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 and a measure of perceived social support. They will be asked to use their assigned app while awaiting their intake appointment and during treatment. The primary endpoint will be at 2 weeks after enrollment and the secondary endpoints at 4, 8- and 12 weeks after enrollment. At all endpoints participants will complete a PHQ-9, GAD-7 and a survey assessing their experience with the app. At the 8-week endpoint they will also be asked about their overall satisfaction with their care and their perceived social support. Results: Feasibility and acceptability of the app will be evaluated by analyzing usage metrics of the 7cups app, self-report satisfaction questionnaire as well as trial adherence. Changes in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores between the two groups at baseline, primary and secondary endpoints will be analyzed as well as associations between PHQ-9, GAD-7 scores and patient socio-demographic and social support variables. Mediators of change in symptoms including frequency of use, activities used on app and perceived social support will also be analyzed.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT03552900
- Run by
- Harvard University
- People needed
- 50
- Starts
- 2018-04-16
- Expected to finish
- 2018-07-30
- Last updated by the study team
- 2021-03-05
Who can join
Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Participants will be required to be Harvard students, 18 years old or older, own a smartphone with Wi-Fi or 3G/4G capabilities and have a triage appointment scheduled with Harvard Counseling and Mental Health. Those meeting basic eligibility requirements will also complete screening using the Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale to determine final eligibility and obtain baseline assessment. A PHQ-9 score of 5 or greater, or a score of 2 or greater on PHQ item 10 (indicating that they felt disabled in their life because of their mood) or a GAD-7 score of 8 or greater will be required for enrollment.
- Exclusion Criteria: Those who score less than 5 on PHQ-9 or less than 8 on the GAD-7 during study screening will be excluded from the study and sent an automated message with information to contact HUHS CAMHS if their symptoms worsen and they need to be seen urgently.
- Participants with a PHQ-9 suicide item score of 1 or more will not be excluded from the study but will receive an automated message with information to call HUHS urgent care if they are feeling at risk of harm to themselves or others. Study staff will also notify CAMHS staff within one business day so that a member of staff can reach out to the participant and check in about scheduling an urgent care appointment.
Where it is running
- Harvard University Health Services — Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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