Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chinese Adolescents With Depressive Symptoms（CADS-D )

CADS-D is a single-center, two-arm, open-label randomized controlled trial. The trial targeted 12-18 years adolescents with depressive symptoms. Intervention group receives the digital cognitive behavioral therapy (DCBT) program for 6 weeks, while the control group receives the regular mental health curriculum provided by school staff for 6 weeks. Assessments are conducted at three time points: baseline, post-intervention (6 weeks), and at 3 months follow-up (18 weeks). The primary outcome is the effectiveness of DCBT. Secondary outcomes include the feasibility of DCBT, self-reported depressive severity, anxiety severity, psychological resilience, and the quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 12 to 18 years;
• Scored 28 or higher on the children's depression rating scale-revised (CDRS-R);
• Have the ability to read and write in Chinese;
• Participant and at least one of their guardians provided written consent;
• Have access to mobile phone and internet.

Exclusion criteria

• The researchers assessed that the adolescent's depressive symptoms were too severe to participate to CADS-D;
• Scored 5 or higher on item 13 (suicidal ideation) on CDRS-R;
• Participants who met diagnosis of other mental disorder except depression;
• Severe physical illnesses or other physical disabilities that prevented the use of DCBT;
• Within the past three months or currently undergoing any antidepressant treatment, including medication therapy, psychotherapy, and physical therapy;
• Unavailability to follow up months after intervention.