Remotely Delivered Programs Targeting COVID-19 Stress-Related Depression and Substance Use

Summary

This 3-arm study compares the effectiveness of an (1) 8-week mindfulness-based intervention, MBCT-R (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Resilience During COVID-19)+CHA MindWell vs. (2) iCBT (internet based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)+ CHA MindWell vs. (3) CHA MindWell remote monitoring and telephone coaching alone on depressive symptoms as measured over the course of 24-weeks by the computerized adaptive mental health (CAT-MH) interview for depression (CAT-DI). Secondary outcomes include rates and levels of alcohol and drug use, as well as the number of required mental health clinician visits (televisits and in-person visits). Exploratory outcomes include stress-related affect reactivity and salivary inflammatory markers (e.g., interleukin-6).

Conditions

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance Use
• Stress, Psychological
• Stress, Emotional
• Alcohol Use, Unspecified
• Drug Use
• Covid19

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Resilience During COVID-19 plus CHAMindWell

MBCT-R is designed to foster resilience and prevent new-onset anxiety and depression disorders or exacerbation of existing conditions. MBCT-R follows the MBCT structure of eight classes and one half-day retreat, with home practice and specific daily meditation, but is live-online and focuses on specific stressors (COVID-19, its economic and social consequences). Classes of 40-50 participants are led by 2 co-leaders. Participants have CHA MindWell Monitoring and telephone support during weeks 1-8 and then every 4 weeks afterwards for 24 weeks. Participants with severe symptoms or worsening moderate symptoms will be asked if they would like a mental wellness assessment with a clinician. If monitoring with CAT-MH interviews suggests symptomatic worsening, then a CHA MindWell technician will contact the participant and check-in and offer support, including setting up a televisit with a member of a clinical member of the outpatient mental health team if needed.

BEHAVIORAL

Internet Cognitive Behavioral Therapy plus CHAMindWell

MoodGYM is based on CBT and interpersonal therapy targeting depression, anxiety, stress, and general psychological distress. MoodGYM has 6 sessions with five curriculum modules and a review session that can be completed within an 8-week period. iCBT participants will also be enrolled in CHA MindWell Monitoring and Support (CHA-MW). Participants across arms will have CHA MindWell Monitoring and Technician telephone support during weeks 1-8 and then every 4 weeks afterwards for 24 weeks. Participants with severe symptoms or worsening moderate symptoms will be asked if they would like a mental wellness assessment with a clinician. If there are difficulties with accessing iCBT technology or if monitoring with CAT-MH or CAT-DI/ANX-CAT interviews suggests symptomatic worsening, then a CHA MindWell technician will contact the participant and check-in and offer support, including setting up a televisit with a member of a clinical member of the outpatient mental health team if needed.

BEHAVIORAL

CHAMindWell

Participants across arms will have CHA MindWell Monitoring and Technician support during weeks 1-8 and then every 4 weeks afterwards for 24 weeks. Participants across arms will have CHA MindWell Monitoring and Technician telephone support during weeks 1-8 and then every 4 weeks afterwards for 24 weeks. Participants with severe symptoms or worsening moderate symptoms will be asked if they would like a mental wellness assessment with a clinician. If monitoring with CAT-MH or CAT-DI/ANX-CAT interviews suggests symptomatic worsening, then a CHA MindWell technician will contact the participant and check-in and offer support, including setting up a televisit with a member of a clinical member of the outpatient mental health team if needed.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

  collaborator NIH

• Penn State University

  collaborator OTHER

• Cambridge Health Alliance

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Zev Schuman-Olivier, MD · Cambridge Health Alliance

• Carl Fulwiler, MD · Cambridge Health Alliance

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-03-15

Primary Completion

2023-03-06

Completion

2023-03-06

Countries

• United States

Study Locations