Talking it out: could couple therapy be a key to treating depression?

NCT ID NCT07736508

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether systemic couple therapy (SCT) can reduce depression and improve relationship quality in married couples where at least one partner has mild to moderate depression. Participants will either receive 8 weekly SCT sessions or standard care. Researchers will measure changes in depression, communication, and coping at the start, after treatment, and three months later.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Systemic Couple Therapy (SCT) — a structured behavioral intervention for couples
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer an effective non-drug treatment for depression that also strengthens marital bonds.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-stage trial with only 48 participants, so results may not apply to all couples. The therapy requires both partners to commit to 8 weekly sessions, which may be difficult for some.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEPRESSION

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