Can a phone app lift depression? new trial puts digital therapy to the test

NCT ID NCT05554289

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Adai Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Chengdu Fourth People's Hospital (Chengdu Mental Health Center)

Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Ningbo Kangning Hospital

Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Quzhou Third Hospital

Quzhou, Zhejiang, China
Shenzhen Kangning Hospital

Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University

Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University

Kunming, Yunan, China
The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University

Xi'an, Shannxi, China
The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University

Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University

Changsha, Hunan, China
Zhejiang Provincial Tongde Hospital

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Zhumadian Second People's Hospital

Zhumadian, Henan, China

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