Ecological Momentary Intervention for Reward in Anhedonia (NCT07155941) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Ecological Momentary Intervention for Reward in Anhedonia
Germany60 participantsStarted 2025-06-18
Plain-language summary
The present study evaluates a two week ecological momentary intervention (EMI) in reducing anhedonia and psychological distress (i.e. elevated depression, stress and anxiety). Participants in the experimental group complete three daily exercises targeting reward-related processes, including positive mental imagery, savoring, gratitude, taking ownership for positive experience, and silver lining. These components were selected to improve reward anticipation as well as reward consumption and reward learning as the underlying mechanisms of anhedonia. An active control group receives progressive muscle relaxation training, matched in format and frequency. Exercise units are presented using audio recordings via smartphone app.
Who can participate
Age range
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:
* German speaking
* Smartphone available and willingness to participate in repeated training units and questions delivered via app
* Clinically elevated anhedonia (SHAPS \>= 25) and elevated depression (DASS-21-Depression \>= 10), elevated anxiey (DASS-21-Anxiety \>= 6) or elevated stress (DASS-21-Stress \>= 10)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Psychotropic medication
* Psychotherapy currently ongoing or planned during participation
* Suicidality, lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorders or psychotic episodes
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
1
Change in anhedonia/hedonic capacity; measured with the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) from baseline to post-intervention and baseline to 3-months follow-up
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks (completion of intervention) and 3 months
2
Change in depression, anxiety and stress; measured with the Depression-Anxiety-Stress-Scale (DASS-21) from baseline to completion and baseline to follow-up
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks (completion of intervention) and 3 months