Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Chinese Adolescents Aged 12 to 18 With Depressive Symptoms

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of a new digital cognitive behavioral therapy DCBT program called CADS-D for Chinese adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who have depressive symptoms. This trial compares the DCBT program to the usual mental health education provided by school staff. The study measures changes in depression symptoms and other mental health factors over time to understand how well the digital therapy works for this group. Participants in the intervention group will use the Moca mobile app, which delivers structured CBT through six to twelve weekly guided sessions lasting about 25 to 45 minutes each. These sessions include core CBT concepts, counseling dialogues, skill exercises, and homework assignments presented in various formats like text, animation, audio, and comics. The control group will follow the regular mental health curriculum provided by schools for six weeks. Both groups complete their programs over a six-week period. Participants will be assessed at the start, after six weeks, and again three months later. The study tracks depression severity using the Childrens Depression Rating Scale, along with anxiety levels, psychological resilience, quality of life, and the feasibility of the digital therapy. They also monitor participants mood during the intervention. The total participation lasts about 18 weeks, including follow-up, with safety and progress regularly evaluated throughout.

Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chinese Adolescents With Depressive Symptoms（CADS-D )