Evaluating a Mobile App for Students Seeking Care for Depression and Anxiety at Harvard University Health Services

Summary

Brief Summary:

Background:

There is a growing demand for mental health services on college campuses. At the same time there has been a dramatic surge in development of mobile mental health apps. Given the widespread popularity and utilization of mobile apps in the college-age population, there is an opportunity to leverage these tools to improve services. The study aims to evaluate the effects of a mobile app on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety for students awaiting their first visit at Harvard Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and on enhancing recovery after beginning treatment.

Methods:

Students seeking an appointment at Harvard CAMHS who meet eligibility criteria will be randomized to receive one of two apps: a direct online social support (7cups) or an app that provides information about community, health, wellness, academic, and support resources on campus (Bliss). Participants will complete a baseline assessment using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 and a measure of perceived social support. They will be asked to use their assigned app while awaiting their intake appointment and during treatment. The primary endpoint will be at 2 weeks after enrollment and the secondary endpoints at 4, 8- and 12 weeks after enrollment. At all endpoints participants will complete a PHQ-9, GAD-7 and a survey assessing their experience with the app. At the 8-week endpoint they will also be asked about their overall satisfaction with their care and their perceived social support.

Results:

Feasibility and acceptability of the app will be evaluated by analyzing usage metrics of the 7cups app, self-report satisfaction questionnaire as well as trial adherence. Changes in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores between the two groups at baseline, primary and secondary endpoints will be analyzed as well as associations between PHQ-9, GAD-7 scores and patient socio-demographic and social support variables. Mediators of change in symptoms including frequency of use, activities used on app and perceived social support will also be analyzed.

Conditions

• Depression, Anxiety

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

7cups Mobile App

Participants who receive the 7 Cups mobile app will get access to direct online social support by messaging with a listener, participating in group chats as well as evidence-based information and exercises to promote their mental health.

BEHAVIORAL

Bliss

Participants who receive the Bliss app will get access to an app that that provides access to important community, health, wellness, academic, and support resources.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Harvard Medical School (HMS and HSDM)

  collaborator OTHER

• Harvard University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Leslie Tarver, MD · Harvard University

• Paul Barreira, MD · Harvard University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2018-04-16

Primary Completion

2018-07-16

Completion

2018-07-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations