RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05585775

Mood and Thought Process Study

Affective Executive Functioning as a Mechanism of Treatments for Depression Symptoms

Sponsor

Butler Hospital

Enrollment

76 participants

Start Date

Apr 6, 2023

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression Depressive Symptoms Depression in Remission

Summary

The primary objective for this project is to test whether affective executive functioning is a mechanism of action of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and Wellness for Wellbeing. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Test the effect of MBCT vs. Wellness for Wellbeing on affective inhibition (i.e., emotionally valenced inhibition as measured via the affective Go/No Go task) using an RCT. 2. Test the effect of MBCT vs. Wellness for Wellbeing on (a) affective updating and (b) affective shifting. Outcomes will be measured with the affective n-Back and the affective Internal Switching Task, respectively. 3a) The investigators will examine whether depression symptom severity co-varies with change in affective executive functioning (i.e., affecting inhibition, shifting, and updating) over time. 3b) The investigators will examine whether compliance with treatment protocol (e.g., number of classes attended, amount of home practice) predicts endpoint executive functioning. Participants will complete surveys, interviews, and computer tasks, and will be randomized to either Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or Wellness for Wellbeing.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is investigating how mood, attention, and thinking patterns are connected, and whether mindfulness-based approaches can help people with mild to moderate depression think more clearly and feel better. Participants will complete questionnaires, thinking tasks, and mindfulness training. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You speak English fluently - You have mild to moderate symptoms of depression (QIDS score between 5 and 15) - You have normal or corrected-to-normal vision - You have never participated in a formal mindfulness-based program (like MBSR or MBCT) before - If you take psychiatric medications, your dose has been stable recently **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have severe depression or active psychotic symptoms - You currently use alcohol or drugs heavily - You are currently experiencing a manic episode - You have a neurological condition, learning disability, or cognitive impairment Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALMindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

MBCT classes are comprised of weekly, 2.5-hour classes in which participants learn cognitive therapy techniques and practice meditation exercises. Participants will complete group and/or individual orientation to MBCT with the MBCT instructor, 1-2 weeks prior to the first scheduled MBCT class. Additionally, MBCT requires 45-minutes of daily home practice, and a full day, 8-hour silent meditation retreat. MBCT classes are delivered via the protocol and curriculum developed by the MBCT founders. Participants randomized to MBCT will receive 8-weeks of MBCT classes.

BEHAVIORALWellness for Wellbeing

Wellness for Wellbeing will serve as the active control for MBCT. Participants randomized to Wellness for Wellbeing will receive 1-hour group delivered classes, once per week, for 8-weeks. Participants will receive an orientation to Wellness for Wellbeing 1-2 weeks prior to the first class. Classes will be delivered by a research therapist. Topics for Wellness for Wellbeing include: nutrition, caffeine, preventing cancer, diabetes, heart health, sleep, being a smart patient, and complementary and alternative medicine. Wellness for Wellbeing classes are interactive and do not include components designed to impact affective cognition in any way. Because participants may have varying levels of health literacy, the research therapist tailors presentation of the material to the participants' level of knowledge of the topic. Information presented in Wellness for Wellbeing is regularly updated with current health guidelines.