Evaluation of a combination therapy with psychological short therapy and antidepressants for the treatment of depression in Zimbabwe.
Descrizione riassuntiva dello studio
Mental illnesses such as depression are increasing even in resource-poor countries. It is the most common mental illness in Africa. Although one in four patients in primary care suffers from depression, up to 90% of them remain untreated. This is partly due to the lack of specialists. The research project collaborates with the 'Friendship Bench.' This locally developed program in Zimbabwe aims to close this gap in care. To improve treatment outcomes for depression, we want to combine the psychological short intervention of the 'Friendship Bench' with antidepressants. These will be administered by trained health personnel without specialization in psychiatry. Our clinical study compares the psychological short intervention of the 'Friendship Bench' with the 'Friendship Bench' plus antidepressants and examines how many individuals still suffer from depression after four months. Our research follows international treatment guidelines. Zimbabwe is one of the WHO target countries under its special initiative to improve access to mental health care. Accordingly, our project is conducted in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Zimbabwe and the WHO. This ensures that our results achieve the necessary long-term impact.
(BASEC)
Intervento studiato
We are investigating the 'Friendship Bench Plus Intervention.' This is a psychological short intervention provided by lay therapists consisting of six psychotherapy sessions plus antidepressants prescribed by nursing professionals.
(BASEC)
Malattie studiate
Moderate to severe depression.
(BASEC)
We include adults (≥18 years) with moderate to severe depression who are seeking treatment at a health center in Harare and have not yet been treated for their depression. (BASEC)
Criteri di esclusione
Individuals with severe physical comorbidities, with psychotic symptoms or high suicide risk, as well as pregnant women will be excluded. (BASEC)
Luogo dello studio
Berna, Altro
(BASEC)
Harare, Simbabwe
(BASEC)
Sponsor
Universität Bern
(BASEC)
Contatto per ulteriori informazioni sullo studio
Persona di contatto in Svizzera
Prof Monika Müller, MD PhD
+41 31 930 91 11
monika_mueller@cluttergmx.chUniversitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie der UPD Bern (Gastdozentin, Korrespondenz bitte an Privatadresse Monika Müller, Stürlerstrasse 5, 3006 Bern)
(BASEC)
Informazioni scientifiche
non disponibile
Nome del comitato etico approvante (per studi multicentrici solo il comitato principale)
Commissione d'etica Berna
(BASEC)
Data di approvazione del comitato etico
19.03.2025
(BASEC)
ID di studio ICTRP
non disponibile
Titolo ufficiale (approvato dal comitato etico)
Combining antidepressants with psychological therapy to improve depression outcome in Zimba-bwe - the Friendship Bench Plus trial (FB+Trial) (BASEC)
Titolo accademico
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Titolo pubblico
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Malattie studiate
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Intervento studiato
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Tipo di studio
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Disegno dello studio
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Criteri di inclusione/esclusione
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Endpoint primari e secondari
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Data di registrazione
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Inclusione del primo partecipante
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Sponsor secondari
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Contatti aggiuntivi
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ID secondari
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Risultati-Dati individuali dei partecipanti
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Ulteriori informazioni sullo studio
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Risultati dello studio
Riepilogo dei risultati
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Link ai risultati nel registro primario
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