Can a phone app lift depression? new trial puts digital therapy to the test
NCT ID NCT05554289
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a smartphone app called WL-iCBT that delivers cognitive behavioral therapy through videos, exercises, and interactive tools. 315 adults with mild-to-moderate depression used either the active app or a placebo version for 8 weeks. Researchers measured changes in depression severity, anxiety, and daily functioning to see if the app helps ease symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
smartphone app delivering cognitive behavioral therapy and attention bias modification
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a convenient, accessible treatment option for mild-to-moderate depression that people can use at home.
What could go wrong
This is a completed trial, but results are not yet published. The app may not outperform a placebo, and benefits may vary by individual. Digital therapies also require user engagement to be effective.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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
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Locations
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Chengdu Fourth People's Hospital (Chengdu Mental Health Center)
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Ningbo Kangning Hospital
Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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Quzhou Third Hospital
Quzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Shenzhen Kangning Hospital
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University
Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University
Kunming, Yunan, China
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The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
Xi'an, Shannxi, China
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The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University
Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
Changsha, Hunan, China
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Zhejiang Provincial Tongde Hospital
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Zhumadian Second People's Hospital
Zhumadian, Henan, China