Actively Recruiting
Effect of a Smartphone-based, Mood-enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Adolescents At Risk of Depression: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Led by Chinese University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2025-07-10
343
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Adolescents with depression and insomnia often face challenges in treatment, and this research explores ways to improve their outcomes. The study compares two types of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): a mood-enhanced version (M-dCBT-I) and a standard version (dCBT-I). The goal is to see how each affects depressive symptoms and mood over time in adolescents aged 12 to 18 who have both insomnia and depression. This study aims to fill a gap in knowledge about how sleep-focused treatments might influence depression in young people. Participants will receive either the standard digital CBT-I, which includes education about sleep and strategies like stimulus control and relaxation techniques, or the mood-enhanced version that adds behavioral activation and problem-solving components targeting depression. Both treatments are delivered digitally over eight weeks in modules designed for adolescents, with special attention to sleep patterns typical in this age group, such as social jetlag and circadian rhythm delays. Throughout the study, participants will be evaluated at the start, after the 8-week treatment, and again at 6 and 12 months. Researchers will assess depressive symptoms using questionnaires like the PHQ-9 and clinician ratings, as well as insomnia severity, sleep patterns, daytime sleepiness, anxiety, and quality of life. This thorough follow-up will help understand the lasting effects of each therapy on mood and sleep in adolescents at risk of depression.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Digital Mood-enhanced CBT-I to Improve Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Chinese adolescent aged 12-18 years old
- Presence of insomnia problems as defined by insomnia severity index 9
- Presence of depressive problems as defined by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) with a cut off of 10
- Ability to read and understand Chinese
- Possession of a smartphone
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of prominent suicidality (suicide plans or attempts) as determined by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
- Clinical diagnosis of psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or intellectual disability
- Presence of other sleep disorders significantly affecting sleep quality (e.g., restless leg symptoms or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome)
- Currently receiving psychological treatment for insomnia and/or pharmacological treatment for depression
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants receive digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I) or mood-enhanced dCBT-I over 8 weeks to improve sleep and depressive symptoms.
Weekly visits for up to 8 weeks
Duration - Up to 12 months after treatment
Participants are monitored for sustained treatment effects on mood and sleep outcomes.
Visits at 6-month and 12-month follow-up
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Psychiatry, the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rachel Ngan Yin Chan, PhD
J
Jucheng Yu, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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