NCT06217198 · VA Office of Research and Development
A Computerized Depression Intervention in Veterans
(Deprexis)
What this study is about
Depressive symptoms are common among Veterans and associated with significant impairment. Timely intervention has the potential to improve mental health outcomes and restore functioning. Interventions delivered through the internet can be completed remotely at any time, and thus minimize burden on Veterans, however the research examining their utility in Veterans is limited.
View original scientific description
Depressive symptoms are common among Veterans and associated with significant impairment. Timely intervention has the potential to improve mental health outcomes and restore functioning. Interventions delivered through the internet can be completed remotely at any time, and thus minimize burden on Veterans, however the research examining their utility in Veterans is limited. This proposed project will examine Deprexis, a self-guided internet-delivered intervention, which targets depressive symptoms and associated functional impairments. Interviews will be conducted to gain insight into Veterans' perceptions, needs, and preferences vis-a-vis Deprexis, with results informing a randomized controlled trial. Here an 8-week course of Deprexis will be compared to a treatment-as-usual (TAU) control condition to establish if Deprexis is acceptable and effective for Veterans with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Veterans engaged in Deprexis are hypothesized to show improvements on measures of functioning and decreases in depressive symptoms compared to the TAU control group. The proposed work has great clinical utility, as it could provide a readily accessible, high-quality intervention for the many Veterans suffering from depressive symptoms, with the potential to improve functioning and long-term outcomes.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Deprexis
Deprexis is an internet-delivered treatment for depressive symptoms and related functional impairment. The intervention draws from various theoretical frameworks and consists of 12 modules: 10 core content modules and an introductory and summary module. Deprexis is designed to be interactive, includes answering questions and learning techniques and concepts through instruction and examples.
Primary outcome measures
Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (Self-Report; QIDS-SR-16) Change
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Treatment (week 8), Follow-up (week 16)
The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (Self-Report; QIDS-SR-16) is a 16-item self-report measure of depressive symptom severity. This brief measure assesses the 9 DSM-IV symptom criterion domains for depression and has been shown to be highly reliable, internally consistent and sensitive to symptom change. QIDS-SR-16 scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms.
World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule-II (WHODAS) Change
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Treatment (week 8), Follow-up (week 16)
The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule-II (WHODAS32; is a 36-item questionnaire assessing functional disability across 7 domains (understanding and communicating, getting around, getting along with people, life activities, work, participation in society, self-care) as well as a total score. The WHODAS has high test-retest reliability (r=0.98) and concurrent and construct validity. WHODAS scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability
The Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) Change
Time frame: Baseline, Post-Treatment (week 8), Follow-up (week 16)
The Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) is a 3-item self-report measure of symptom-related disability, which has been used in previous Deprexis trials. The SDS was developed as a global measure of the impact of mental illness on work/school activities, family relationships and social functioning. The SDS has been found to be internally consistent, reliable and to have high construct validity and to be sensitive to treatment effects. SDS scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater functional impairment.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Potential participants include male and female Veterans of all races/ethnicities who are:
- able to comprehend and sign the informed consent form
- have reliable access to the internet and a computer, tablet and/or smartphone
- exhibit mild or moderate, but not very severe, levels of depression
- stable on psychotropic medications
Exclusion criteria
- Aim 1 and Aim 2: Veterans will be excluded from study participation if they:
- endorse any positive symptoms of a psychotic disorder
- screen positive for Bipolar I Disorder
- report current suicidal risk
Where
- Waco, Texas
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 14, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations