Study reveals how question order skews depression scores in scleroderma patients

NCT ID NCT06772896

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether the way depression questions are asked changes how people with scleroderma report physical symptoms like sleep problems, fatigue, and appetite changes. Over 800 participants were randomly assigned to answer the same depression questionnaire either in the standard order or with the physical symptom questions placed first and separately. The goal was to see if knowing they were being assessed for depression influenced their answers about physical symptoms.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could help researchers design better depression questionnaires for people with chronic illnesses, leading to more accurate mental health assessments.

What could go wrong

This is a completed observational study, not a treatment trial. The results may not change clinical practice or directly benefit participants.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression diffuse scleroderma scleroderma systemic sclerosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Jewish General Hospital

    Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2, Canada

  • Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research

    Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2, Canada