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Can Genetics Predict Treatment Response to a Computerized Self-help Program for Depression?

Genetic Predictors of Response to a Computerized Self-help Program for Depression

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01818453
Enrollment
500
Registered
2013-03-26
Start date
2013-03-31
Completion date
2015-11-30
Last updated
2015-11-09

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder, Mood Disorders

Keywords

Mood Disorders, Depression, Genetics, Treatment response, Treatment study

Brief summary

The goal of this project is to determine whether genetic information can be used to predict response to an internet-based treatment of depression. Several studies now indicate that completing an internet-based treatment for depression, called Deprexis, can significantly improve symptoms of depression. However, not everyone improves. The purpose of this study is to determine whether genetic profile can predict who is likely to improve.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALComputerized self-help program for depression

For 8 weeks, participants will engage in a computerized self-help program for depression, called deprexis. This program consists of 10 content modules representing different psychotherapeutic approaches broadly consistent with a cognitive-behavioral perspective. Modules are organized as simulated dialogues in which the program explains and illustrates concepts and techniques, engages the user in exercises, and continuously asks users to respond by selecting from response options. Subsequent content is then tailored to the users' responses, resulting in a simulated conversational flow. Participants can access the self-help program as often as they would like and since it is self-guided, they will determine how often they access the material. Each module can be completed in 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the user's reading speed, interest, motivation, and individual path through the program.

Sponsors

Brown University
CollaboratorOTHER
University of Texas at Austin
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* English-speaking * Have reliable access to the internet (i.e., dialup or broadband access) * Be willing to donate saliva for DNA research * Have a current symptoms of depression * Be stable on medication and/or therapy (i.e. no changes within 2 weeks of study entry)

Exclusion criteria

* Any diagnosis of a psychotic or bipolar disorder * Meeting for alcohol/drug dependence in the past year * Having current suicidal risk warranting crisis intervention

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frame
Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (Self-Report) (QIDS-SR-16)Administred every 2 weeks while the participant is engaged in the online deprexis treatment program to measure depression symptom severity.

Secondary

MeasureTime frame
Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms (IDAS)The IDAS will be completed as part of the pre- and post-treatment questionnaires to assess for symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ)The PDSQ will be completed as part of the pre- and post-treatment questionnaires to screen for the most common DSM-IV Axis I disorders..
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)The HAM-D will be completed during the pre- and post-treatment phone interviews to assess depression symptom severity.
Massachusetts General Hospital Antidepressant Treatment History Questionnaire (ATRQ)The ATRQ will be administered as part of the pre-treatment questionnaires to evaluate psychotropic efficacy.
Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS)The SDS will be completed as part of the pre- and post-treatment questionnaires to evaluate symptom-related disability.
Risky Families Questionnaire (RFQ)The RFQ will be completed as part of the pre-treatment questionnaires to assess early familial experiences and the harshness of family climate.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026