Actively Recruiting
Study on a Digital Ultra-Brief Intervention During Wait Times for Psychotherapy
Led by University of Bern · Updated on 2025-11-18
312
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
114 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Bern
Lead Sponsor
M
Macquarie University, Australia
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The OPTIBRIEF study investigates different versions of a digital ultra-brief intervention (UKADO - a German acronym for ultra-brief intervention against anxiety and depression online) during the waiting period for psychotherapy. Using a factorial trial design, the components 1) intervention content, 2) human support, and 3) expectation-fostering elements will be examined. After completing initial questionnaires and participating in a diagnostic interview, participants are randomly assigned to one of eight groups and work through a specific version of UKADO. The program can be completed in a session of approximately 60 minutes, after which the exercises should continue to be used. Participants then complete another set of questionnaires at specific time points (after 2 weeks, 5 weeks, 9 weeks, and 24 weeks). A selection of participants also takes part in another telephone appointment to assess experiences with UKADO. With the OPTIBRIEF study, the investigators aim to determine which version of the program is most suitable for individuals waiting for a psychotherapy slot. To this end, the investigators examine the effects on anxiety and depression symptom severity, as well as aspects such as participants' experiences with the program.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Study on a Digital Ultra-Brief Intervention During Wait Times for Psychotherapy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Read the patient information and return a signed written informed consent sheet
- Currently waiting for outpatient psychotherapy (self-report at baseline and assessed by telephone)
- Age 18 years or older (self-report at baseline and assessed by telephone)
- Score of 10 or higher on the PHQ-ADS questionnaire (self-report at baseline)
- Meet diagnostic criteria for one or more of these disorders: Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (assessed with Diagnostic Short-Interview for Mental Disorders, DSM-5 version)
- Have sufficient German language skills (self-report at baseline)
- Have access to the internet (self-report at baseline)
You will not qualify if you...
- Acute suicidality assessed during the telephone interview (Mini-DIPS)
- Currently in psychotherapy or have a scheduled start of psychotherapy before 14 days after randomization (assessed via self-report and telephone interview)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern
Bern, Switzerland
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Laura Luisa Bielinski, PhD
CONTACT
T
Thomas Berger, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
FACTORIAL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
8
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here