Recruiting

Preliminary Efficacy Trial of a Digital Intervention for Depression and Cannabis Use

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a digital intervention for co-occurring cannabis use and depression. Participants will be randomized to complete Amplification of Positivity - Cannabis Use (AMP-C) or symptom tracking. The main outcomes will include changes in depressive symptoms and cannabis use, as well as usability ratings.

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06878859

PhaseNA

Enrollment80

SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital

Age18 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Depression - Major Depressive Disorder, Cannabis Use Disorder, Mental Disorder

About this study

Interventions

Behavioral: Amplification of Positivity - Cannabis Use (AMP-C) — AMP-C is a smartphone-based digital intervention that includes activities that focus on positivity (e.g., noticing and capitalizing on positive events) to increase positive emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The role and impact of CU on the maintenance of depression and reward dysfunction (and vice versa), is intertwined throughout the intervention.

Primary outcomes

Change in Depressive Symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9) (Baseline, Primary Endpoint: Post-Intervention (approximately one week after completing intervention), Secondary Endpoints: Intervention Midpoint (4 weeks into intervention), 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months after completing intervention)
Change in Cannabis Use Frequency (Daily Sessions, Frequency, Age of Onset, and Quantity of Cannabis Use Inventory; DFAQ-CU) (Baseline, Primary Endpoint: Post-Intervention (approximately one week after completing intervention), Secondary Endpoints: Intervention Midpoint (4 weeks into intervention), 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months after completing intervention)
Usability (System Usability Scale; SUS) (Post-Intervention (approximately one week after completing intervention))

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged ≥ 18 years * Resides in the United States * Able to read and understand English and willing to provide informed consent/comply with the study protocol * Moderate depressive symptom severity, as indicated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) * Problematic cannabis use, as indicated by the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test - Revised (CUDIT-R) * Current elevated anhedonia, as indicated by the PHQ-9 * Interest in receiving treatment for their cannabis use and depression * Meet criteria for current MDD and CUD per the DSM-5 Exclusion Criteria: * History of a psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder type I/II * Active suicidal ideation or intent based on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale * Current psychotherapy engagement * Changes in psychotropic medication within six weeks of the start of study

Study locations

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114 United States

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.