Can a Three-Session therapy rival CBT for Event-Related depression?
NCT ID NCT07738146
First seen Jul 31, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026
Summary
This pilot trial tests whether a new short therapy, called Painhunting Therapy, can ease depression symptoms as well as standard cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in adults whose depression is linked to a stressful life event. Around 60 adults with depressive symptoms will be randomly assigned to receive either Painhunting Therapy (3 to 6 sessions) or CBT (6 to 8 sessions). The main measure is depression severity six weeks after starting treatment, with follow-up at 10 to 12 weeks to see if any benefits last.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Painhunting Therapy, a structured psychotherapeutic intervention targeting event-related distress, delivered in 3 to 6 sessions
- What this could lead to
- If effective, Painhunting Therapy could offer a shorter, targeted talk therapy option for depression triggered by stressful life events, potentially easing symptoms in just a few sessions.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study, so results may not be definitive or generalizable. The therapy is new and unproven, and its benefit over established CBT remains uncertain.
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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
Locations
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Central Painhunting Office
Astana, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
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