Short therapy shows promise for depression and anxiety in primary care

NCT ID NCT06988332

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a short psychological program called Problem Management Plus (PM+) for adults with depression or anxiety in a primary care clinic in Chile. The program involves five 90-minute sessions teaching problem-solving and stress management skills, delivered by healthcare workers without mental health expertise. The trial compared PM+ to usual care in 56 participants, focusing on whether the program was feasible and acceptable, and whether it helped reduce symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Problem Management Plus (PM+)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost psychological treatment for depression and anxiety that can be delivered by non-specialists in primary care settings.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study with only 56 participants, focused on feasibility and preliminary effects. The results may not be generalizable, and larger trials are needed to confirm any benefits.

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.

anxiety disorder depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CESFAM Las Ánimas

    Valdivia, Chile