Pilot Study of a Brief Behavioural Activation Intervention for Depressed Patients in Primary Care

Pilot Study of a Brief Behavioural Activation Intervention for Depressed Patients in Primary Care

This study will explore the effectiveness of a brief psychological intervention for depressed outpatients in primary care. Participants will attend two intervention sessions with a psychologist and use a mobile activity/goal setting application for 6 weeks.

This study will evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a two-session psychologist-led behavioural activation intervention, with adjunctive use of a free activity/goal setting app, for depressed patients in primary care. Outpatients in primary care with Major Depressive Disorder will be recruited to complete two intervention sessions with the primary care psychologist, as well as use the mobile activity scheduling app for 6 weeks. Symptom measures will be administered prior to both intervention sessions and 6-weeks after the first intervention session.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Depression is the primary concern;
• Score of 10 or greater on a depression screening tool;
• Have access to an iPhone or iPad.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Another psychological disorder is the primary concern (e.g., anxiety disorder, personality disorder);
• Concurrent alcohol or drug use disorder;
• Unstable dose of psychotropic medication (i.e., any psychotropic medication doses will need to be stable for at least four weeks prior to enrolment);
• Current participation in other regular psychological treatment (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling);
• At a high risk/emergent risk for suicide.