Evaluation of a Mobile Therapy for Elevated Depressive Symptoms

Development and Testing of a Behavioral Activation Mobile Therapy for Elevated Depressive Symptoms

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate a mobile application (app) for depression treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the mobile app, "Moodivate", or not. If provided with Moodivate, participants will be asked to use the app regularly, at least once per day, throughout the study duration. Participants will be asked to complete electronic questionnaire measures throughout the study period. Participation in this study will take about 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elevated depressive symptoms, defined as a score of > 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)57
• Age 18+
• Currently own an iOS- or Android-compatible smartphone
• Report willingness to utilize a mobile app for the treatment of depressed mood (response of "yes" on yes/no item)
• Have a current, valid e-mail address that is checked at least once per day or have regular access to text messages (to access follow-up assessments)
• Enrolled in Epic's MyChart program
• English fluency

Exclusion Criteria:

- Current suicidal ideation at study screening, defined as a response >1 (several days) on item nine of the PHQ-9 ("Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself?")