An SMS-assisted mindfulness-based intervention for relapse prevention in depression

ISRCTN ISRCTN58808893
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN58808893
Secondary identifying numbers N/A
Submission date
10/04/2014
Registration date
06/06/2014
Last edited
04/05/2017
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Mindfulness-based interventions aim at promoting an intentional, non-judgemental attention to the present moment and have been shown to be helpful in preventing the reoccurrence of depression. Mobile communication technologies (such as short message service, SMS) can be used to maintain treatment gains and achieve long-term behaviour changes. Mindfulness-based interventions have rarely been studied in inpatient settings. Therefore, we have developed a low intensity program for psychiatric inpatients with depression which combines mindfulness exercises with SMS-assistance. The aim of this pilot study is to inform the planning of a full-scale trial and examine whether the study design is feasible, i.e. how many patients are willing to participate in the study, fill in the questionnaires, use the SMS-assistance and are satisfied with the intervention. Furthermore, we will examine the usability of the questionnaires.

Who can participate?
Adult inpatients of the Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy II (Guenzburg), Ulm University, with symptoms of depression. Participants should have a mobile phone and sufficient knowledge of the German language.

What does the study involve?
The intervention consists of two steps. First, in addition to standard inpatient care, participants will be invited to attend a group introduction to three mindfulness exercises during their hospital stay. Second, after discharge from hospital, participants will be randomly allocated to either receive the SMS-assistance or recieve no additional support. Over a period of four months after discharge, participants will be asked to report via SMS whenever they have practiced a mindfulness exercise, and in return receive reinforcing feedback. Assessment points are at study intake, at discharge from hospital and four-months follow-up.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Research indicates that mindfulness interventions can be helpful in preventing the reoccurrence of depression. SMS-interventions have been shown to support long term behaviour changes. Thus, possible benefits are a decreased risk of depressive relapse and an improvement of general well-being. Overall, negative outcomes are rarely reported. The mindfulness exercises are introduced during the inpatient stay of the patient. Therefore, any adverse reactions can immediately be responded to.

Where is the study run from?
Enrolment takes place at the Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Guenzburg (lead centre MIND-S-study). Technical and methodological support is provided by the Center of Psychotherapy Research, University of Heidelberg.

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study started in September 2013. Data acquisition will last approximately until the end of 2014

Who is funding the study?
"Innovationsfonds Medizin", a research fund provided by the Ministry of Science, Research and Art of the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany.

Who is the main contact?
Dr Bernd Puschner
bernd.puschner@bkh-guenzburg.de

Study website

Contact information

Dr Bernd Puschner
Scientific

Section Process-Outcome Research
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy II
Ulm University
Bezirkskrankenhaus Guenzburg
Ludwig-Heilmeyer-Str. 2
Guenzburg
89312
Germany

Study information

Study designPilot study prospective single-center randomized controlled trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Hospital
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleAn SMS-assisted mindfulness-based intervention for relapse prevention in depression: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Study acronymMIND-S
Study objectivesThe study examines the feasibility of the study design and the intervention. Research questions are:
1. Feasibility of the study design in terms of recruitment, randomisation, retention, and usability of the measures.
2. Feasibility of the intervention in terms of adherence and acceptability.
Ethics approval(s)Ulm University Ethics Committee; 13/08/2013; ref. 231/13
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedDepressive symptoms, relapse prevention
Intervention1. During inpatient psychiatric treatment: Manualized group session introducing three mindfulness-based exercises (mindful breathing, mindful walking, mindfulness of the body). Study participants should attend the group at least once.
2. After discharge (t1) for participants allocated to intervention group: Assistance of mindfulness practice at home, using positive reinforcement via the mobile phone SMS-technology and weekly reminders (until 4-month follow-up, t2)
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measureFeasibility and acceptability of the study design and procedures:
1. Number of patients recruited (at study intake, t0) and randomized (at hospital discharge, t1), drop-out rates until follow up (four months after discharge, t2)
2. Homework compliance (questionnaire at t2)
3. Use of the SMS-assistance during the four months after hospital discharge (objective measure)
4. Satisfaction with the interventions (questionnaires at timepoints: t1, t2)
Secondary outcome measuresUsability of the selected questionnaires (measuring homework compliance, depressive symptoms etc), assessed at all measurement-points (t0-t2)
Overall study start date24/09/2013
Completion date31/12/2014

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
Upper age limit75 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants40
Key inclusion criteria1. Age: 18 to 75 years
2. Symptoms of depression during the current illness episode
3. Mobile phone
Key exclusion criteria1. Psychotic symptoms, or a history of schizophrenia
2. Current manic state
3. Acute risk of a dissociative crisis
4. Severe cognitive deficit/impairment
5. Persistent severe substance abuse
6. Acute risk of suicidality or self-harm
7. Insufficient command of the German language
Date of first enrolment24/09/2013
Date of final enrolment31/12/2014

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Germany

Study participating centre

Ulm University
Guenzburg
89312
Germany

Sponsor information

The Ministry of Science, Research and Art of the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg (Germany)
Government

Ministerium fuer Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Wuerttemberg
Koenigstr. 46
Stuttgart
70173
Germany

ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/01hc18p32

Funders

Funder type

Government

The Ministry of Science, Research and Art of the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg (Germany) - Innovationsfonds Medizin - Kompetenzzentrum Praevention psychischer und psychosomatischer Stoerungen in der Arbeits- und Ausbildungswelt (PPAA)

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Results article results 02/05/2017 Yes No

Editorial Notes

04/05/2017: Publication reference added.