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Heart-Smile Training for Depression (HST-IIP Trial)

N/A
Waitlist Available
Led By Zev Schuman-Olivier, MD
Research Sponsored by Cambridge Health Alliance
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Be older than 18 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up up to 11 weeks
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests if Heart-Smile Training, a program teaching compassion and kindness, can help adults with depression feel better emotionally and physically.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals with mild to moderately severe depression who speak English well enough to understand the study and can consent. They must be available for all sessions, not in other studies, not expecting hospitalization or incarceration during the study, and without severe mental health conditions that could disrupt participation.
What is being tested?
The Heart-Smile Training Intensive Introduction Program (HST-IIP) is being tested against a waitlist control group. It includes a 3-day retreat, weekly meetings over four weeks, and a final one-day retreat. The effectiveness will be measured using brain activity tests (EEG), heart monitoring (EKG), skin response tests, and surveys.
What are the potential side effects?
Since HST-IIP involves psychological exercises focused on compassion and loving-kindness rather than medication or invasive procedures, significant side effects are not anticipated. However, participants may experience emotional discomfort when engaging with their feelings during training.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~up to 11 weeks
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 11 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change from Baseline heartbeat evoked potential (HEP) at 5 weeks
Secondary study objectives
Change from Baseline Depression (CAT-DI) at 5 weeks
Change from Baseline Gamma Band Frequency at 5 weeks
Change from Baseline High Frequency Heart Rate Variability (HF-HRV) at 5 weeks.
Other study objectives
Change from Baseline Clinically Relevant Psychological Data at 5 weeks
Change from Baseline Skin Conductance Response at 5 weeks

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Heart-Smile Training Intensive Introductory Program (HST-IIP) GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
The HST-IIP group will complete the Heart-Smile Training Intensive Introductory Program during weeks 1 through 4 of the study.
Group II: Waitlist Control GroupActive Control1 Intervention
The waitlist arm will not complete any intervention during their time in the study. They will continue their treatment as usual without any change in their therapy session or medication. After their post study visits are complete, they will have the opportunity to participate in Mindfulness-Based Intervention courses through the Cambridge Health Alliance Center for Mindfulness and Compassion.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Cambridge Health AllianceLead Sponsor
62 Previous Clinical Trials
22,574 Total Patients Enrolled
14 Trials studying Depression
1,091 Patients Enrolled for Depression
Spaulding Rehabilitation HospitalOTHER
137 Previous Clinical Trials
10,982 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Depression
42 Patients Enrolled for Depression
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyOTHER
4 Previous Clinical Trials
1,354 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Heart-Smile Training Intensive Introduction Program (HST-IIP) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT05564533 — N/A
Depression Research Study Groups: Waitlist Control Group, Heart-Smile Training Intensive Introductory Program (HST-IIP) Group
Depression Clinical Trial 2023: Heart-Smile Training Intensive Introduction Program (HST-IIP) Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT05564533 — N/A
Heart-Smile Training Intensive Introduction Program (HST-IIP) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT05564533 — N/A
Depression Patient Testimony for trial: Trial Name: NCT05564533 — N/A
~13 spots leftby Nov 2025