RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07064551

Evaluation Study of Medical-Social Collaboration Model for Middle-aged and Older Adults With Depressive Symptoms

Sponsor

The University of Hong Kong

Enrollment

192 participants

Start Date

Jun 20, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a medical-social collaboration model works to reduce depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults with depressive symptoms who are waiting for their first psychiatric appointment. Secondary outcomes of the study include reduced anxiety symptoms, reduced loneliness, reduced rumination, reduced self-criticism, improved self-reassurance, improved resilience, improved self-efficacy, improved health-related quality of life, as well as improved quality-adjusted life years, and reduced healthcare service utilisation. Researchers will compare a medical-social collaboration model to a self-management booklet. Participants will: * Receive CBT-based stepped-care interventions through the medical-social collaboration model or a self-management booklet. * Complete a survey about their mental health and service use every three months until their first psychiatric appointment.

Eligibility

Min Age: 45 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study evaluates a model where social services and medical care work together to support middle-aged and older adults in Hong Kong who are waiting for psychiatric services and are experiencing symptoms of depression, aiming to provide earlier and more comprehensive support. **You may be eligible if...** - You are currently on a waitlist for psychiatric services at a Hospital Authority facility - You have at least mild depression symptoms - You are able to provide informed consent **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a history of autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, or dementia - You are in immediate danger of harming yourself (temporary exclusion — you would first receive crisis support) - You have communication difficulties that would prevent participation 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

BEHAVIORALCognitive behavioural therapy-based stepped-care intervention

After initial clinical assessment, participants will be offered interventions based on their depressive symptom severity (Patient Health Questionnaire-9-item \[PHQ-9\]). Mild symptoms (PHQ-9=5-9): 6 weekly low intensity CBT-based group intervention sessions led by trained clinical social workers, with 2 booster sessions as necessary. Moderate symptoms (PHQ-9=10-14): 6 weekly high intensity CBT-based group intervention sessions led by trained clinical social workers, with 2 booster sessions as necessary. Moderately severe symptoms (PHQ-9≥15): high intensity individual or group CBT-based intervention. Trained peer supporters will be matched to participants to walk them through the process with regular follow-up.

OTHERSelf-management booklet

The booklet incorporates components of behavioural activation, which encourages participants to engage in meaningful activities in daily life to change their mood. Trained research assistants will regularly check in with the participants to monitor their depressive symptoms.