Comparing Behavior Therapy and Yoga for Treating Depression Among Adults

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Depression

In brief

This is a parallel group study design. The investigators propose to compare an online, synchronous group-based yoga intervention developed for individuals with depression to an online, synchronous individualized, evidence-based behavioral therapy for depression, or Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression (BA). This study is a multi-site randomized trial of adults with clinically significant depressive symptoms. Participants (N=518) will be randomized in an equal allocation ratio (i.e., 1:1) across two intervention groups: yoga and BA. Interventions will be provided over a 12-week period and assessments will occur at baseline (week 0), week 6, week 12, week 18, and week 24.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT05546697

Run by

Massachusetts General Hospital

People needed

520

Starts

2023-02-13

Expected to finish

2026-05-18

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-15

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Aged 18 years old or older
• Depressive symptoms at study entry (PHQ-9≥10)
• Provides informed consent
• Able to read and understand English or Spanish.
• Live in NC, MA, MN, or RI
• Has a healthcare provider (a primary care provider, clinic, or mental health care provider) whom the participant could contact if medical care were needed

You may not qualify if…

• PHQ-9 > 20
• A bone fracture or joint surgery in the past 6 months
• Unable to walk
• Severe heart failure or lung disease
• Had a healthcare provider tell them it is unsafe to exercise
• Currently pregnant
• Are already engaged in study interventions (i.e., engaged in yoga practice or psychotherapy more than once in the past 4 weeks or has an intake scheduled for psychotherapy in the next 4 weeks).
• Have active suicidal thinking (i.e., PHQ-9 item 9 ≥1 and a positive response to CSSR-S screener items 3, 4, 5, or 6 [Past 3 months])
• Are currently experiencing manic symptoms (Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale score ≥ 6)
• Unable to complete study procedures (i.e., attend yoga classes, BA sessions)

Where it is running

• Giuliana Chau — Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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