Development of a Telephone-based Continuation Treatment for Patients With Chronic Depression.

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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There is a high risk for relapse in people suffering from depression. Studies indicate that the continuation of an acute psychotherapeutic treatment can reduce the likelihood of relapse. Therefore, this pilot study is aimed to investigate the feasibility of a continuation psychotherapy over 6 months, to support people suffering from chronic forms of depression in their daily life. The investigated continuation therapy itself includes about one telephone call per month (therapist - patient), focussing on the integration of strategies into the patient's daily routine. The patients receive either 30 minutes or 50 minutes phone calls. On the one hand, these phone calls are supported by a workbook for patients containing psychoeducative elements, strategies and exercises. On the other hand, the therapist's work is based on a manual containing several modules and strategies. Both tools (workbook, manual) are understood as a framework, using the appropriate sections according to the patient's needs. As a result, the patients receive a continuation treatment which is appropriate and adapted to their individual situation. The main purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of a telephone based psychotherapeutic continuation treatment with a small sample of 20 patients suffering from chronic depression. In case of promising results the effectiveness of this kind of treatment is going to be investigated within a comparative trial (including face-to-face intervention, no intervention).

Official Title
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Optimizing Psychotherapeutic Aftercare for Patients Suffering From Chronic/Recurrent Depression: Development and First Evaluation of a Telephone-based Continuation Treatment (Pilot Study).

Conditions
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Chronic Depressive Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: phone calls 30 min
* Behavioral: phone calls 50 min


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Written informed consent Diagnosis of chronic (300.4) or recurrent (296.31-3) depression (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) Currently in partial or full remission Previous psychotherapy (acute treatment; some kind of cognitive-behavioral therapy) adequate knowledge of German language in case of taking antidepressants: long-term and stable dosage (with unchanged taking since 3 months at least) Exclusion Criteria: acute suicidality psychotic symptoms severe cognitive impairments in case of taking antidepressants: anticipated stopping medication within treatment period (6 months)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 30 min or 50 min<br>Patients receive either seven 30 minutes or 50 minutes phone calls over 6 months (psychotherapy/continuation treatment) | Behavioral: phone calls 30 min<br>* Patients receive either seven 30 minutes phone calls over 6 months (psychotherapy/continuation treatment)<br>Behavioral: phone calls 50 min<br>* Patients receive either seven 50 minutes phone calls over 6 months (psychotherapy/continuation treatment)<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| number of patients dropping out of treatment |  | 6 months | 
| change of depressive symptoms from baseline to posttreatment | assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire | 6 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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depression, chronic, psychotherapy, telephone, feasibility