Technology dRiven Enhancement to Engage & Connect
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Summary
This study will investigate whether an intervention that includes remotely delivered therapy sessions and a digital mental health app, compared to only remotely delivered therapy reduces late-life depression
Description
Depression in mid- and late-life is characterized with reduced functions of the reward system. The investigators designed a psychotherapy that aims to improve reward functions through engagement in pleasurable activities and in turn reduce depression. Prior work has shown that this therapy is acceptable and reduces depression. This study examines whether a hybrid intervention that combines clinician remotely-delivered psychotherapy, and a novel app named TREE-Connect, reduces late life depression. This TREE-Connect app uses a machine learning algorithm to promote adherence to therapy (completi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 50–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 50-80 * Capacity to provide consent for research assessment and treatment. * Significant depression, i.e., PHQ-9 ≥ 7 (mild-moderate severity of symptoms) * Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) equal or greater than a score of 23. * Off antidepressants or on stable dose for 8 weeks and do not intend to change the dose in the next 10 weeks, without individual psychotherapy services during the study period. Exclusion Criteria: * Intent or plan to commit suicide in the near future. * Inability to communicate in English. * History or presence of psychiatric diagnoses…
Interventions
- BehavioralTREE-Connect
TREE-Connect is a mental health app that aims to increase engagement in rewarding activities
- BehavioralClinician-delivered psychotherapy
Clinician-delivered psychotherapy is delivered remotely and aimed to increase engagement in rewarding activities
Location
- Weill Cornell MedicineNew York, New York