None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to improve mental health outcomes for those with anxiety and depression by using an innovative text messaging intervention to supplement therapy. We hope to develop a scalable intervention via psychological flexibility-based text messages, which does not require personal contact, and can be delivered remotely. This study will involve a randomised controlled trial to determine the efficacy of the text messaging intervention. Clients of a psychology clinic will be allocated to a control (treatment as usual) or intervention group (treatment as usual plus text messaging intervention). Text messages will be based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and will be delivered daily for 8 weeks. We hypothesise that the intervention group will have improved wellbeing compared to the control group after 8 weeks.
Interventions
Clients of a psychology clinic with a diagnosis of anxiety or depression will receive daily text messages alongside weekly therapy for 8 weeks. Clients will receive one text message per day. Messages will not be personalised, as they are designed to be scalable, therefore everyone will receive identical texts. Text messages will be sent via an app (Nudge Learning) that is being developed specifically for this purpose. The app has the capacity to monitor the delivery of the messages and identify
Clients of a psychology clinic with a diagnosis of anxiety or depression will receive daily text messages alongside weekly therapy for 8 weeks. Clients will receive one text message per day. Messages will not be personalised, as they are designed to be scalable, therefore everyone will receive identical texts. Text messages will be sent via an app (Nudge Learning) that is being developed specifically for this purpose. The app has the capacity to monitor the delivery of the messages and identify whether they have been opened. Text messages will be based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Self compassion and messages have been generated by researchers and clinicians in these fields. Some example messages include: "Take a pause for a moment and name 5 things that you can see, 4 things that you can hear, 3 things that you can touch, 2 things that you can smell and 1 thing that you can taste. Becoming aware of the physical experience can help us to feel grounded and connected to the present moment." "When you feel distressed, can you create a feeling of support and kindness for yourself?"
Sponsors
Australian Catholic University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Diagnosis of anxiety or depression. Adult 18+ Fluent in English Current engaged with a psychologist Own a smartphone
Exclusion criteria
Cognitive impairment or current psychosis
Outcome results
None listed