Clinical trial NCT06419387: The Effect of Flash Technique Via Self-Therapy App on Depression, Anxiety, and Traumatic Symptoms
Official title: The Effect of Flash Technique Via Self-Therapy App on Depression, Anxiety, and Traumatic Symptoms in Individuals Who Have Experienced a Traffic Accident: A Randomized-Controlled Design
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Traumatic Stress Disorder
Keywords: EMDR
Mobile App
Traumatic Stress
Lead sponsor: Academy of Therapeutic Sciences, Turkey
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2024-05-17
Enrollment: 30
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: EMDR Mobile App (Intervention) Group vs. Psycho-educational (Video) Control Group
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: EMDR is a psychotherapy method utilized for treating psychological traumas, with the Flash technique being one of its quickest and most effective methods. The "Self-Therapy" mobile application, accessible via Apple Store and Google Play, enables users to self-administer the Flash technique, following specific guidelines to help reduce symptoms like depression, anxiety, and stress linked to traumatic memories. Designed for adults over 18, particularly those diagnosed with mental health disorders, it is advised to be used under a psychiatrist's guidance. The application features a virtual guide, an avatar named Therapist Yağmur, who assists users through the process, including relaxation exercises and progress tracking. This allows users to pause and resume therapy as needed. Such applications represent a significant advancement in remote psychological support, potentially increasing access to psychotherapy and fostering societal acceptance of psychological health services.

Detailed description: EMDR is a psychotherapy method used in the treatment of psychological traumas. The Flash technique is considered one of the fastest and most effective techniques of EMDR. The self-therapy application allows users to apply the Flash technique by themselves by following guidelines, aiming to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress levels associated with traumatic memories. Applications like "Self-Therapy" could serve as an important model for the development and widespread adoption of remote psychological support services. With this project, individuals experiencing stressful life events could support their own healing process through a mobile application. This could lay the foundation for the development and expansion of similar mobile applications, thereby inspiring new projects and studies aimed at enhancing and increasing the accessibility of post-traumatic support services. The ease of access to psychotherapy through a mobile application could help increase societal awareness and acceptance of psychological health services.The "Self-Therapy" project is specifically designed for adults aged 18 and older who have experienced a traumatic or stressful event and perceive a decline in their quality of life due to its effects. The mobile application, available for download on both the Apple Store and Google Play, is primarily intended for individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and it is recommended that they use the application under the guidance and recommendation of their psychiatrist.

The application employs a virtual guide, an avatar named Therapist Yağmur, who leads users through the program. Through the avatar's instructions, users engage in the Flash technique to actively address and work through their traumatic memories. Additionally, the application includes relaxation exercises that can be utilized as needed. Users are able to track their progress within the app, enabling them to pause and resume their therapeutic journey as required, thereby facilitating a self-directed approach to managing and potentially mitigating the impacts of their traumatic experiences.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Being over the age of 18
* Having access to the internet

Exclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of psychotic illness

  * Presence of mental retardation
* Moderate or severe depression
* Active suicidal thoughts

Primary outcomes:
measure: The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21)
timeFrame: 1-week and 1-month follow-up
measure: Impact of Events Scale Revised (IES-R)
timeFrame: 1-week and 1-month follow-up
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Istanbul
country: Turkey
facility: Academy of Therapeutic Sciences
Study officials:
References: