CompletedNot Applicable

Enhancing Depression Literacy and Reducing Stigma in Adolescents Through Social Media

Germany170 participantsStarted 2025-04-01

Plain-language summary

Depression is a highly common mental disorder that often begins in adolescence. Despite its high burden and negative consequences, few young people seek professional help due to, e.g., low mental health literacy and fear of stigma. Since adolescents frequently seek health information online and use social media daily, the project "ich bin alles" (English: "I am everything"; www.ich-bin-alles.de) was launched to provide easily accessible, age-appropriate, and evidence-based information about depression and mental health via digital platforms including a website and social media channels (e.g., Instagram). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the "ich bin alles"- Instagram channel in improving depression literacy, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking behavior, as well as assessing user acceptance and content reception.

Who can participate

Age range

13 Years – 18 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: * Ownership of an Instagram account * Regular use of Instagram Exclusion Criteria: * No exclusion citeria

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

Depression Literacy

Timeframe: Pre-test (week 0), post-test (week 4), follow-up (week 16)

Stigma

Timeframe: Pre-test (week 0), post-test (week 4), follow-up (week 16)

Intention to seek help

Timeframe: Pre-test (week 0), post-test (week 4), follow-up (week 16)

Mental Health

Timeframe: Pre-test (week 0), post-test (week 4), follow-up (week 16)

Visual Aesthetics

Timeframe: post-test (week 4)

Intentions to act

Timeframe: post-test (week 4)

Overall impression

Timeframe: post-test (week 4)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07061600

SponsorLudwig-Maximilians - University of Munich

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-10-22

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Depressive Disorder trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

13 Years – 18 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: * Ownership of an Instagram account * Regular use of Instagram Exclusion Criteria: * No exclusion citeria

What they're measuring

Depression Literacy

Timeframe: Pre-test (week 0), post-test (week 4), follow-up (week 16)

Stigma

Timeframe: Pre-test (week 0), post-test (week 4), follow-up (week 16)

Intention to seek help

Timeframe: Pre-test (week 0), post-test (week 4), follow-up (week 16)

Mental Health

Timeframe: Pre-test (week 0), post-test (week 4), follow-up (week 16)

Visual Aesthetics

Timeframe: post-test (week 4)

Intentions to act

Timeframe: post-test (week 4)

Overall impression

Timeframe: post-test (week 4)