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

Aug 1, 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 subsyndromal 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

Inclusion Criteria3

Currently awaiting psychiatric services provided by the Hospital Authority
Have depressive symptoms of at least mild severity
Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria3

A known history of autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, or dementia
Imminent suicidal risk (temporary exclusion)
Communication difficulties that preclude participation

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.