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A CBT-based Mobile Intervention as First Line Treatment for Adolescent Depression During COVID-19

Limbix Spark: A CBT-based Mobile Intervention as First Line Treatment for Adolescent Depression During COVID-19

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04524598
Enrollment
227
Registered
2020-08-24
Start date
2020-07-20
Completion date
2022-01-16
Last updated
2023-05-18

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

Conditions

Depression

Keywords

Adolescence, Digital Therapeutic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation

Brief summary

Over 3 million teenagers in the USA have depression, and rates of depression and suicide are sharply increasing. Teenage depression has far-reaching consequences including impairments in academic and work performance and social and family relationships, substance abuse, and worsening of other health conditions, which can persist into adulthood. Access to mental health care for teenagers is limited due to a shortage of mental health providers and many teenagers and parents are reluctant to take antidepressants. COVID-19 and mandated physical and social distancing is expected to increase rates of teenage depression, and further limit access to traditional methods of care (e.g. psychotherapy). This highlights an urgent need to develop accessible, digital treatments for teenage depression to address the serious mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This fully virtual study (https://www.limbix.com/spark) will compare the relative safety, effectiveness, and engagement of a mobile application based on cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral activation (Limbix Spark), focusing on the idea that engaging in behaviors that are rewarding or provide a sense of mastery can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. Limbix Spark will be compared to a mobile app containing educational material about depression (Psychoeducation).

Detailed description

Depression in adolescence is a public health crisis, with incidence and suicide rates rising sharply over the past decade. The COVID-19 global pandemic, along with mandated social and physical distancing, is expected to have substantial repercussions on public mental health and exacerbate the mental health crisis among teens. Adolescents, a group with significant unmet mental health needs, are at risk during this time, as they are especially vulnerable to depression and suicidality following environmental stressors, trauma, and social isolation that are endemic to this global pandemic. With difficulties in receiving in person care magnified during social distancing, now more than ever, there is an immediate need for safe, accessible, and effective digital treatments for mental health disorders. The proposed intervention is intended to increase access to mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)- based digital treatment for adolescent depression (Limbix Spark) relative to psychoeducation. Limbix Spark implements behavioral activation (BA), a key CBT skill that provides a sense of pleasure or mastery through self-monitored activities to reduce depressive symptoms and improve functional outcomes. Adolescents with depression (13-21 years old) across the country will be recruited to participate in a fully remote, clinical trial via https://www.limbix.com/spark. At an initial virtual visit, following informed consent, adolescents and parents (for those under 18) will fill out standardized questionnaires designed to measure symptoms of depression, anxiety, and general health. Participants will then download an app onto their mobile phone and be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive the Limbix Spark program and the other will receive the Psychoeducation program for 5 weeks. The Limbix Spark program is divided into 5 levels. Each level provides educational information about cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral activation, and interactive activities including mood tracking and activity scheduling. The Psychoeducation program is divided into 5 lessons. Each lesson covers a different topic about depression. During both 5 week programs, patients will also complete a weekly Patient Health Questionnaire, which is designed to measure depressive symptoms and also will report any negative side effects they may be experiencing. After 5 weeks, participants and legal guardians (for those under 18) will complete another set of standardized questionnaires designed to measure symptoms of depression, anxiety, and general health. Patients will also complete questionnaires asking them about their thoughts and experiences with the program they just completed. Lastly, a subset of patients and parents will be invited to complete a virtual interview to provide feedback on using the program. The trial will be divided into two phases. The first phase will enroll 60 participants and participants will be randomized to either Spark and Control groups as described above. The second phase will enroll 175 participants and those randomized into the control group will be given access to the 5-week Spark intervention after completing the 5 weeks of control condition (control extension arm). Once completing the control extension arm, participants will complete a second set of post study questionnaires after 5 weeks. All study participants that complete the 5-week Limbix Spark program and the post study questionnaires will be contacted and asked to consent to participation in the follow-up study. Only participants who did not opt-out to being contacted for future research will be contacted. This study will collect questionnaires from participants at any or all of the following time frames as indicated: 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month following completion of the Spark arm.

Interventions

The Limbix Spark program is divided into 5 levels. Each level provides educational information about cognitive behavioral therapy and interactive activities.

OTHERPsychoeducation

The Psychoeducation program is divided into 5 lessons. Each lesson covers a different topic about depression.

Sponsors

Limbix Health, Inc.
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
13 Years to 21 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Between the ages of 13 and 21 * Self-reported symptoms of depression * Will be residing in the USA for the duration of the 5-week study * Under the care of a US-based primary care and/or licensed mental healthcare provider and willing and able to provide the name and contact information of the provider during consent appointment. * English fluency and literacy of adolescent and consenting legal guardian if under 18 * Access to a smartphone (iPhone 5s or later or running Android 4.4 KitKat or later) and regular internet access * Willing to provide informed e-consent/assent and have legal guardian willing to provide informed e-consent if under 18.

Exclusion criteria

* Self-reported lifetime suicide attempt or active self-harm or active suicidal ideation with intent * Have a diagnosis by a clinician of bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, or any psychotic disorder including schizophrenia * Incapable of understanding or completing study procedures and digital intervention as determined by participant, patient/legal guardian, healthcare provider, or clinical research team

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Phase I - Feasibility (Eligibility)Pre-enrollmentDescriptive report of participant eligibility. Percentage of people who enrolled in each arm after expressing interest in participating in the study. Phase I participant arms are reported for this outcome.
Number of Participants With Willingness to Participate and Program AdherenceFrom Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)Descriptive report of willingness to participate and program adherence. Phase I participant arms are reported for this outcome.
Phase I - Feasibility (Satisfaction)Post-Treatment -Week 5Descriptive report of participant satisfaction (mood improvement and enjoyment) on a scale of 0-10, with 0 meaning lower satisfaction and 10 meaning higher satisfaction. Phase I participant arms are reported for this outcome.
Phase I - Feasibility (Safety)From Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)Descriptive report of participant safety. Phase I participant arms are reported for this outcome.
Phase II - Change in Depressive SymptomsChange from Baseline to Post treatment (5 weeks)Between-subjects treatment-related change in depressive symptoms from baseline to 5-weeks as measured by Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) (min: 0; max: 24, with higher score indicating more severe depression) for those with baseline PHQ-8 ≥10.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Phase II - SafetyFrom Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)Between-group treatment-related differences in clinical concern rates and serious clinical concerns. Phase II participant arms are reported for this outcome.
Phase I - Change in Depression SymptomsFrom Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)Between-subjects treatment-related change in depressive symptoms from baseline to 5-weeks as measured by Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) (min: 0; max: 24, with higher score indicating more severe depression) for those with baseline PHQ-8 ≥5. Only Phase I participants were included in this Outcome measure.
App Engagement and AdherenceFrom Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)Between-group treatment-related differences in program adherence and engagement based on behavioral and mobile app analytics. Phase I and Phase II Spark participant arms are reported for this outcome. We are reporting the average number of app modules completed (out of 5 total modules).
Number of Participants in RemissionFrom Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)Remission rates based on PHQ-8 \< 10 (sub-analysis for those with baseline PHQ-8 ≥ 10). Phase I and Phase II participant arms are reported for this outcome.
Change in Participant-rated Anxiety Symptoms and Global FunctioningFrom Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)Between-subjects treatment-related change in participant-rated anxiety symptoms and global functioning as measured by GAD-7 Anxiety and PROMIS Pediatric Global Health Scale. The GAD-7 Anxiety is a brief 7-item assessment for generalized anxiety disorder. Values range from 0-21, with higher scores representing more severe anxiety. The PROMIS Pediatric Global Health Scale is a 7-item assessment for perceived physical, mental, and social health. Values range from 7-35, with higher scores representing better health. Phase I and Phase II participant arms are reported for this Outcome. Statistical Analyses are presented for Phase II results only because Phase I was intentionally not powered for analysis.
Change in Parent-reported Depressive Symptoms and Global Functioning.From Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)Between-subjects treatment-related change in parent-reported depressive symptoms and global functioning as measured by Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ-PS), and PROMIS Parent Proxy Global Health Scale. The MFQ-PS consists of a series of 13 descriptive phrases regarding how the subject has been feeling or acting in the past two weeks and is a screening tool for depression in children and young people. Values range from 0-26, with higher scores representing more severe symptoms. The PROMIS Parent Proxy Global Health Scale is a 7-item assessment for perceived physical, mental, and social health. Values range from 7-35, with higher scores representing better health. Phase I and Phase II participant arms are reported for this Outcome. Statistical Analyses are presented for Phase II results only because Phase I was intentionally not powered for analysis.
Average Treatment-related Usability and Engagement RatingsPost-TreatmentAverage treatment-related usability (System Usability Scale; SUS) and engagement (User Engagement Scale-Short Form; UES-SF) ratings. Phase I and Phase II participant arms are reported for this outcome. The SUS is a 10-item questionnaire measuring the usability of systems. Responses range from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. Scores are percentile rankings and range from 0-100. Higher scores represent higher usability. The UES-SF is a 12-item questionnaire measuring self-reported user-engagement. The form uses a 5-point Likert scale. Overall engagement scores range from 1-5. Higher scores represent more engagement.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Limbix Spark - Phase I
A 5 week CBT-based intervention Limbix Spark: The Limbix Spark program is divided into 5 levels. Each level provides educational information about cognitive behavioral therapy and interactive activities.
35
Psychoeducation - Phase I
5 weeks of psychoeducation about depression. Upon completion, participants will be automatically enrolled into the Limbix Spark CBT-based intervention Psychoeducation: The Psychoeducation program is divided into 5 lessons. Each lesson covers a different topic about depression.
25
Limbix Spark - Phase II
A 5 week CBT-based intervention Limbix Spark: The Limbix Spark program is divided into 5 levels. Each level provides educational information about cognitive behavioral therapy and interactive activities.
63
Psychoeducation/Control Extension - Phase II
5 weeks of psychoeducation about depression. Upon completion, participants will be automatically enrolled into the Limbix Spark CBT-based intervention Psychoeducation: The Psychoeducation program is divided into 5 lessons. Each lesson covers a different topic about depression. Participants who were initially assigned to the Psychoeducation control arm were given the opportunity to then complete the 5 week CBT-based intervention, Limbix Spark. Limbix Spark: The Limbix Spark program is divided into 5 levels. Each level provides educational information about cognitive behavioral therapy and interactive activities.
58
Total181

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002FG003FG004
Phase I - FeasibilityDropped for missing two consecutive weekly safety check-ins.21000
Phase I - FeasibilityLost to Follow-up24000
Phase II - Control ExtensionDropped for missing two consecutive weekly safety check-ins.00006
Phase II - Control ExtensionLost to Follow-up00006
Phase II - OutcomesDropped for missing two consecutive weekly safety check-ins.00850
Phase II - OutcomesLost to Follow-up001680
Phase II - OutcomesWithdrawal by Subject00200

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicLimbix Spark - Phase IPsychoeducation - Phase ILimbix Spark - Phase IIPsychoeducation/Control Extension - Phase IITotal
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
18 Participants17 Participants33 Participants35 Participants103 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
17 Participants8 Participants30 Participants23 Participants78 Participants
Age, Continuous18 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.36
17 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.57
17.06 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.49
16.46 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.43
16.78 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.47
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
6 Participants4 Participants11 Participants8 Participants29 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
29 Participants21 Participants46 Participants47 Participants143 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants6 Participants3 Participants9 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants2 Participants4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
7 Participants4 Participants4 Participants0 Participants15 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
2 Participants3 Participants3 Participants2 Participants10 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
3 Participants1 Participants8 Participants8 Participants20 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
2 Participants0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants3 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
20 Participants17 Participants47 Participants45 Participants129 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
35 participants25 participants63 participants58 participants121 participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Participant Reported Gender
Female
28 Participants19 Participants42 Participants39 Participants128 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Participant Reported Gender
Male
6 Participants5 Participants16 Participants10 Participants37 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Participant Reported Gender
Non-Binary
1 Participants1 Participants5 Participants9 Participants16 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 350 / 250 / 800 / 80
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 350 / 254 / 802 / 80
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 352 / 250 / 800 / 80

Outcome results

Primary

Number of Participants With Willingness to Participate and Program Adherence

Descriptive report of willingness to participate and program adherence. Phase I participant arms are reported for this outcome.

Time frame: From Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)

Population: Phase I participant arms are reported for this outcome because this was an a priori primary outcome for Phase I. Due to programming of the app, module completion was not tracked in the psychoeducation arm of the study.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsNumber of Participants With Willingness to Participate and Program Adherence% of eligible participants willing to participate35 Participants
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsNumber of Participants With Willingness to Participate and Program Adherence% of enrolled participants completing all sessions by post-treatment8 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase INumber of Participants With Willingness to Participate and Program Adherence% of eligible participants willing to participate25 Participants
Primary

Phase I - Feasibility (Eligibility)

Descriptive report of participant eligibility. Percentage of people who enrolled in each arm after expressing interest in participating in the study. Phase I participant arms are reported for this outcome.

Time frame: Pre-enrollment

Population: People who expressed interest in participating in the study.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase I - Feasibility (Eligibility)Limbix Spark - Phase I35 Participants
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase I - Feasibility (Eligibility)Psychoeducation - Phase I25 Participants
Primary

Phase I - Feasibility (Safety)

Descriptive report of participant safety. Phase I participant arms are reported for this outcome.

Time frame: From Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase I - Feasibility (Safety)Serious Adverse Events0 Participants
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase I - Feasibility (Safety)Unanticipated Adverse Device Effects0 Participants
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase I - Feasibility (Safety)Adverse Device Effects0 Participants
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase I - Feasibility (Safety)None35 Participants
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase I - Feasibility (Safety)Adverse Events0 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase I - Feasibility (Safety)None23 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase I - Feasibility (Safety)Adverse Events0 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase I - Feasibility (Safety)Serious Adverse Events2 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase I - Feasibility (Safety)Adverse Device Effects0 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase I - Feasibility (Safety)Unanticipated Adverse Device Effects0 Participants
Primary

Phase I - Feasibility (Satisfaction)

Descriptive report of participant satisfaction (mood improvement and enjoyment) on a scale of 0-10, with 0 meaning lower satisfaction and 10 meaning higher satisfaction. Phase I participant arms are reported for this outcome.

Time frame: Post-Treatment -Week 5

Population: Participants who completed the post-treatment questionnaires.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase I - Feasibility (Satisfaction)Participant Reported Mood Improvement5.08 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.54
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase I - Feasibility (Satisfaction)Participant Reported Enjoyment6.79 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.11
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase I - Feasibility (Satisfaction)Participant Reported Mood Improvement1.78 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.21
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase I - Feasibility (Satisfaction)Participant Reported Enjoyment3.94 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.51
Primary

Phase II - Change in Depressive Symptoms

Between-subjects treatment-related change in depressive symptoms from baseline to 5-weeks as measured by Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) (min: 0; max: 24, with higher score indicating more severe depression) for those with baseline PHQ-8 ≥10.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to Post treatment (5 weeks)

Population: Participants who had a PHQ-8 score of ≥10 at Baseline. This was a Phase II Primary Outcome measure, so only Phase II arms are reported.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase II - Change in Depressive Symptoms-5.08 score on a scale
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase II - Change in Depressive Symptoms-3.51 score on a scale
Comparison: A linear mixed-effects model (LMM) analysis was implemented on an averaged imputed dataset to evaluate main effects of Group (Spark, Control) and Week (0-5), and the Group x Week interaction. Group and Week were entered as fixed factors. Spark version, and assessment completion days since baseline were included as fixed factors to control for effects of app version and differences in time between completion of successive weekly assessments.p-value: 0.06Mixed Models Analysis
Comparison: We used a Per Protocol approach that included participants who completed the PHQ at baseline and each week. A linear mixed-effects model (LMM) analysis was implemented on an averaged imputed dataset to evaluate main effects of Group (Spark, Control) and Week (0-5), and the Group x Week interaction.p-value: 0.01Mixed Models Analysis
Secondary

App Engagement and Adherence

Between-group treatment-related differences in program adherence and engagement based on behavioral and mobile app analytics. Phase I and Phase II Spark participant arms are reported for this outcome. We are reporting the average number of app modules completed (out of 5 total modules).

Time frame: From Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsApp Engagement and Adherence2.74 app modules completedStandard Deviation 1.69
Psychoeducation - Phase IApp Engagement and Adherence3.17 app modules completedStandard Deviation 1.82
Secondary

Average Treatment-related Usability and Engagement Ratings

Average treatment-related usability (System Usability Scale; SUS) and engagement (User Engagement Scale-Short Form; UES-SF) ratings. Phase I and Phase II participant arms are reported for this outcome. The SUS is a 10-item questionnaire measuring the usability of systems. Responses range from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. Scores are percentile rankings and range from 0-100. Higher scores represent higher usability. The UES-SF is a 12-item questionnaire measuring self-reported user-engagement. The form uses a 5-point Likert scale. Overall engagement scores range from 1-5. Higher scores represent more engagement.

Time frame: Post-Treatment

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsAverage Treatment-related Usability and Engagement RatingsSUS80.67 units on a scaleStandard Error 2.17
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsAverage Treatment-related Usability and Engagement RatingsUES-SF3.62 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.1
Psychoeducation - Phase IAverage Treatment-related Usability and Engagement RatingsUES-SF3.10 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.12
Psychoeducation - Phase IAverage Treatment-related Usability and Engagement RatingsSUS75.83 units on a scaleStandard Error 2.29
Limbix Spark - Phase IIAverage Treatment-related Usability and Engagement RatingsSUS82.85 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.89
Limbix Spark - Phase IIAverage Treatment-related Usability and Engagement RatingsUES-SF3.80 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.08
Psychoeducation/Control Extension - Phase IIAverage Treatment-related Usability and Engagement RatingsSUS76.12 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.92
Psychoeducation/Control Extension - Phase IIAverage Treatment-related Usability and Engagement RatingsUES-SF3.22 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.09
Secondary

Change in Parent-reported Depressive Symptoms and Global Functioning.

Between-subjects treatment-related change in parent-reported depressive symptoms and global functioning as measured by Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ-PS), and PROMIS Parent Proxy Global Health Scale. The MFQ-PS consists of a series of 13 descriptive phrases regarding how the subject has been feeling or acting in the past two weeks and is a screening tool for depression in children and young people. Values range from 0-26, with higher scores representing more severe symptoms. The PROMIS Parent Proxy Global Health Scale is a 7-item assessment for perceived physical, mental, and social health. Values range from 7-35, with higher scores representing better health. Phase I and Phase II participant arms are reported for this Outcome. Statistical Analyses are presented for Phase II results only because Phase I was intentionally not powered for analysis.

Time frame: From Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)

Population: Parent/Legal Guardians of participants \<18 years old who completed both baseline and post-treatment questionnaires. Phase II participants were included if they had a baseline PHQ-8 score ≥ 10.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsChange in Parent-reported Depressive Symptoms and Global Functioning.MFQ-SF-4.20 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.49
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsChange in Parent-reported Depressive Symptoms and Global Functioning.PROMIS Parent Proxy - General Health0.70 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.54
Psychoeducation - Phase IChange in Parent-reported Depressive Symptoms and Global Functioning.PROMIS Parent Proxy - General Health0.88 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.59
Psychoeducation - Phase IChange in Parent-reported Depressive Symptoms and Global Functioning.MFQ-SF-4.88 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.6
Limbix Spark - Phase IIChange in Parent-reported Depressive Symptoms and Global Functioning.MFQ-SF-4.83 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.31
Limbix Spark - Phase IIChange in Parent-reported Depressive Symptoms and Global Functioning.PROMIS Parent Proxy - General Health1.21 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.23
Psychoeducation/Control Extension - Phase IIChange in Parent-reported Depressive Symptoms and Global Functioning.MFQ-SF-2.85 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.14
Psychoeducation/Control Extension - Phase IIChange in Parent-reported Depressive Symptoms and Global Functioning.PROMIS Parent Proxy - General Health1.04 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.47
Comparison: We conducted a repeated measures ANOVA (Time x Group) on the MFQ to compare the change in parent report of depressive symptoms from Baseline to Post treatment for Phase II participants who had a baseline PHQ-8 score \>= 10. The interaction term is presented.p-value: 0.33ANOVA
Comparison: We conducted a repeated measures ANOVA (Group x Time) on the PROMIS Parent Proxy - General Health Score to compare the change in parent reported general health from Baseline to Post treatment for Phase II participants who had a baseline PHQ-8 score \>= 10. The interaction term is reported.p-value: 0.9ANOVA
Secondary

Change in Participant-rated Anxiety Symptoms and Global Functioning

Between-subjects treatment-related change in participant-rated anxiety symptoms and global functioning as measured by GAD-7 Anxiety and PROMIS Pediatric Global Health Scale. The GAD-7 Anxiety is a brief 7-item assessment for generalized anxiety disorder. Values range from 0-21, with higher scores representing more severe anxiety. The PROMIS Pediatric Global Health Scale is a 7-item assessment for perceived physical, mental, and social health. Values range from 7-35, with higher scores representing better health. Phase I and Phase II participant arms are reported for this Outcome. Statistical Analyses are presented for Phase II results only because Phase I was intentionally not powered for analysis.

Time frame: From Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)

Population: Participants who completed post-program questionnaires. Phase II participants were included if they had a baseline PHQ-8 score ≥ 10.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsChange in Participant-rated Anxiety Symptoms and Global FunctioningGAD-7-2.87 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.67
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsChange in Participant-rated Anxiety Symptoms and Global FunctioningPROMIS - General Health1.13 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.64
Psychoeducation - Phase IChange in Participant-rated Anxiety Symptoms and Global FunctioningPROMIS - General Health-0.14 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.69
Psychoeducation - Phase IChange in Participant-rated Anxiety Symptoms and Global FunctioningGAD-7-2.29 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.94
Limbix Spark - Phase IIChange in Participant-rated Anxiety Symptoms and Global FunctioningGAD-7-3.21 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.54
Limbix Spark - Phase IIChange in Participant-rated Anxiety Symptoms and Global FunctioningPROMIS - General Health1.35 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.41
Psychoeducation/Control Extension - Phase IIChange in Participant-rated Anxiety Symptoms and Global FunctioningGAD-7-1.45 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.33
Psychoeducation/Control Extension - Phase IIChange in Participant-rated Anxiety Symptoms and Global FunctioningPROMIS - General Health-0.35 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.85
Comparison: We conducted a repeated measures ANOVA (Group x Time) on GAD-7 scores to compare the change in anxiety symptoms from Baseline to Post treatment for Phase II participants who had a baseline PHQ-8 score \>= 10. The interaction term is presented.p-value: 0.23ANOVA
Comparison: We conducted a repeated measures ANOVA (Group x Time) on the PROMIS - General Health Score to compare the change in general health from Baseline to Post treatment for Phase II participants who had a baseline PHQ-8 score \>= 10. The interaction term is reported.p-value: 0.11ANOVA
Secondary

Number of Participants in Remission

Remission rates based on PHQ-8 \< 10 (sub-analysis for those with baseline PHQ-8 ≥ 10). Phase I and Phase II participant arms are reported for this outcome.

Time frame: From Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)

Population: Participants with baseline PHQ-8 ≥ 10.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsNumber of Participants in Remission13 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase INumber of Participants in Remission7 Participants
Limbix Spark - Phase IINumber of Participants in Remission11 Participants
Psychoeducation/Control Extension - Phase IINumber of Participants in Remission2 Participants
Secondary

Phase I - Change in Depression Symptoms

Between-subjects treatment-related change in depressive symptoms from baseline to 5-weeks as measured by Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) (min: 0; max: 24, with higher score indicating more severe depression) for those with baseline PHQ-8 ≥5. Only Phase I participants were included in this Outcome measure.

Time frame: From Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)

Population: Only Phase I participants were included in this Outcome measure.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase I - Change in Depression Symptoms-3.89 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.29
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase I - Change in Depression Symptoms-3.34 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.14
Secondary

Phase II - Safety

Between-group treatment-related differences in clinical concern rates and serious clinical concerns. Phase II participant arms are reported for this outcome.

Time frame: From Baseline to Post Treatment (Week 5)

ArmMeasureCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase II - SafetyAdverse Events4 Participants
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase II - SafetyUnanticipated Adverse Device Effects0 Participants
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase II - SafetyAdverse Device Effects0 Participants
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase II - SafetyNone76 Participants
Number of Potentially Eligible ParticipantsPhase II - SafetySerious Adverse Events0 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase II - SafetyNone78 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase II - SafetyAdverse Events2 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase II - SafetySerious Adverse Events0 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase II - SafetyAdverse Device Effects0 Participants
Psychoeducation - Phase IPhase II - SafetyUnanticipated Adverse Device Effects0 Participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 9, 2026