RecruitingNot Applicable

Leveraging Adult Protective Service Interaction to Offer Evidence-Based Treatment for Depression in Elder Neglect/Self Neglect

United States50 participantsStarted 2026-05-15

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based treatment for depression delivered over an ipad, computer, or smartphone can help Adult Protective Services (APS) clients with their activities of daily living to evaluate whether reductions on measures of depression and apathy (a) mediate reduced Elder Neglect/Self Neglect (EN/SN) behaviors; and (b) whether secondary posited mediating mechanisms are also active in impacting depression and apathy

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * APS Case in APS Region VI- Must have open case * PHQ 9 score- Must have score of nine (9) or more Exclusion Criteria: * Previous mental health diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and moderate to severe dementia * Assessment of Consent Proxy- Those who need assessment of consent proxy * Suicidal Intent (as indexed by PhQ-9 question 9)- Those scoring 2 or 3 * Current Alcohol and Drug Dependency- As evidenced by Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener (CAGE) score of 3 or more

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in depression as assessed by the Patient Depression Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

Timeframe: baseline, post-treatment ( 8 weeks after baseline), and 3 months

Change in apathy as assessed by the Apathy Motivations Index (AMI)

Timeframe: baseline, post-treatment ( 8 weeks after baseline), and 3 months

Change in Elder Neglect/Self Neglect (EN/SN) as evidenced by study developed goal attainment scale

Timeframe: baseline, post-treatment ( 8 weeks after baseline), and 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06910267

SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-11-30

Contact for this trial

Leila Wood, PhD, MSSW

(713) 486-2700 Leila.G.Wood@uth.tmc.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Depression in Old Age trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change in depression as assessed by the Patient Depression Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

Timeframe: baseline, post-treatment ( 8 weeks after baseline), and 3 months

Change in apathy as assessed by the Apathy Motivations Index (AMI)

Timeframe: baseline, post-treatment ( 8 weeks after baseline), and 3 months

Change in Elder Neglect/Self Neglect (EN/SN) as evidenced by study developed goal attainment scale

Timeframe: baseline, post-treatment ( 8 weeks after baseline), and 3 months