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Developing precision computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) for adolescent depression: a pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial (SPARX-UK)

Overview

Would you like to be involved in a research study for your low mood?

  • Are you 11-19 years-old?
  • Do you have mild to moderate low mood?
  • Do you have a smart phone or access to a computer?

Researchers are testing if SPARX, a game, could be used to support young people with depression. SPARX features a virtual world and an avatar to guide you through techniques to manage your mood. These techniques are based on cognitive behavioural therapy.

We want to know if young people in the United Kingdom find SPARX useful for their low mood.

Are you interested in taking part in this study?
Find out more by filling in this form

Planned end date

01 Jul 2025 00:00

Conditions

Depression

Inclusion Criteria

  1. Adolescents aged 11 to 19 years on the date of consent referred to CAMHS or MHST
  2. Presented at CAMHS/MHST for treatment with symptoms indicative of mild to moderate depressive disorder as confirmed by the PHQ-A
  3. Able to provide written consent or, if under age 16, written parental consent and written/verbal child assent
  4. Has access to a computer with internet access or smartphone or device to use SPARX and must be able to install and log in
  5. Parent and adolescent able to read and write in English

Exclusion Criteria

  1. Depression assessed as being too severe to make SPARX an appropriate intervention as confirmed by the PHQ-A
  2. High risk of current self-harm or suicide as confirmed by a clinician
  3. Intellectual disability or physical limitations precluding the use of SPARX
  4. Had (in past three months) or currently having treatment with CBT/interpersonal therapy
  5. Has another major mental health disorder (e.g., psychosis, eating disorder) where the primary focus was not depression as confirmed by a clinician or DAWBA
  6. Safeguarding concerns that are currently not being managed (i.e., the young person is the subject of a safeguarding investigation) as confirmed by a clinician
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