New app aims to ease trauma after intensive care
NCT ID NCT05849454
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested whether a mobile app called Messy Memories could help people who had been in the intensive care unit (ICU) deal with distressing memories. The app guides users to record and process a difficult memory on their own. Researchers wanted to see if people would actually use the app and find it acceptable. The study included 29 adults who had been in the ICU at least a month earlier and had some distress. Participants used the app for 6 weeks and filled out questionnaires over 12 weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
mobile application (Messy Memories) for self-administered exposure therapy
What this could lead to
If successful, this app could offer an affordable, accessible way for ICU survivors to reduce psychological distress on their own.
What could go wrong
This was a very small, early feasibility study with only 29 participants. It was not designed to prove the app reduces distress, only that people might use it. Results may not apply to everyone.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, 10032, United States