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NCT Number: NCT04897685

Nature-based Treatment Group for Depression

This multi-centre research investigates the effects of nature-based treatment group on participants diagnosed with depression. In total, 147 persons participated in the study in various locations in Finland. All participants received treatment as usual (TAU). They were randomised into nature-based group + TAU (n = 70) or TAU-only (n = 77). The participants in the nature-based group + TAU were offered 12 sessions once a week in addition to standard care. The measurement points included pre-treatment measurement at the baseline and post-treatment measurement at the end of the intervention, which was 12 weeks after the pre-treatment measurement. The follow-up measurement was 3 months after the post-treatment measurement. The effects of the intervention were assessed with a clinical measure of depression (BDI-I) and with indicators of psychological distress (CORE-10), subjective well-being (SWEMWBS), work/study ability (WAI) and nature experiences (ROS, KOLU). The participants in the treatment group (nature-based group +TAU) were compared to the participants in the control group who received TAU-only.

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Key information

Conditions

Depression Behavior Behavioral Symptoms

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Institute of Rehabilitation, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland

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About this study

This research investigates the outcomes of nature-based treatment groups in the treatment of adults with depression. In total, 147 participants were involved. Of them, 70 were randomized into DMT group and 77 into the control group. All participants received treatment as usual during the research. The inclusion criteria of the study were: a diagnoses of depression (ICD -diagnostic system), BDI-I score 10 or above (cut off score for mild depression), treatment contact in a health care service and 18-65 years of age. The exclusion criteria were: 1) active suicidal ideation, 2) psychotic symptoms, and 3) substance misuse that is on a critical level (Audit questionnaire scores above 10). Also, participants who had pain-related problems that restricted daily life or were pregnant were not admitted to the study.

Nature-based treatment group was facilitated by a health care professional and included 12 x 90 mins sessions within 12 weeks. Depressive symptoms (BDI-I), psychological distress (CORE-10), subjective well-being (SWEMWBS), ability to work/study (WAI), and nature experiences (ROS, KOLU) were assessed at three measurement points: pre-measurement at the baseline, post-measurement 12 weeks after the pre-treatment measurement, and a follow-up measurement three months after the post-treatment measurement.

This research includes a larger number of participants (N = 147) than have been involved in previous studies utilising randomised controlled trials in nature-based interventions. The research generates further information about the effectiveness of nature-based therapy groups in the rehabilitation of depression as it was conducted in five cities across Finland. This type of multi-centre research can provide a realistic picture of the typical practice of a range of health care professionals working with participants in various geographic locations.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • A diagnoses of depression (ICD -diagnostic system)
  • BDI-I score 10 or above
  • Treatment contact in a health care service
  • Motivated to commit to a 12-session treatment group taking place in nearby nature environments
  • Able to communicate adequately in Finnish in order to participate

Exclusion criteria

  • Active suicidal ideation
  • Psychotic symptoms
  • Substance misuse that is on a critical level
  • Volunteers who had pain-related problems that restricted daily life or were pregnant were not admitted to the study

Treatment and study plan

Flow with Nature

Behavioral

Nature-based intervention was facilitated by a health care professional and included 12 x 90 mins sessions within 12 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory; BDI-I) at 12-week post-treatment measurement.

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    BDI-I (Beck Depression Inventory - I) measures depressive symptoms with 21 items. Each item is scored 0-3 and sum scores are calculated on the basis of participants' responses. The total sum score can range from 0 to 63 and higher score indicates higher depression.

  2. Change from post-treatment depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-I; BDI-I) at three-month follow-up measurement.

    Time frame: 3 months

    The change in depressive symptoms between the post-treatment measurement at the end of the 12-week intervention and the 3-month follow-up. BDI-I (Beck Depression Inventory - I) measures depressive symptoms with 21 items. Each item is scored 0-3 and sum scores are calculated on the basis of participants' responses. The total sum score can range from 0 to 63 and higher score indicates higher depression.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

JAMK University Of Applied Sciences

Other

Collaborators

  • Tampere University
  • University of Jyvaskyla

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects of Nature-based Intervention in the Treatment of Depression: Multi-center, Randomized Controlled Trial in Finland

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
May 21, 2021
Registry last updated
Jul 1, 2021

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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