Randomized Trial Comparing Two Behavioral Therapies for Improving Mood and Sleep in Adults 55 and Older with Depression and Suicide Risk

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a multi-site randomized control trial to evaluate two different behavioral approaches aimed at improving mood, sleep, and suicidality symptoms in adults aged 55 and older who currently experience depression and have an additional suicide risk factor. The study will include 420 participants across three sites in the United States and aims to identify which program better helps with issues like trouble sleeping and bad moods. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two evidence-based therapy programs, each consisting of eight weekly sessions lasting about 40 minutes with a therapist or health coach. Both programs include educational content and may involve guided discussions, activities, and support related to stress, sleep problems, and depression. Throughout the 8-week therapy period, participants will wear an actigraphy watch to monitor activity and sleep, and complete phone assessments every other week starting at week 2. Participants will attend three main study visits before starting therapy, immediately after therapy ends, and six months later. During these visits, assessments of sleep, mood, cognition, and health will be completed. In addition, participants will continue phone assessments monthly after therapy until six months post-therapy and have a final call 12 months after therapy ends. The primary outcome measured is depression symptom response six months after treatment, with additional focus on changes in suicidal ideation and behavior.

Assessing Improvements in Mood and Sleep Trial