Can a phone app help beat loneliness and depression?

NCT ID NCT07471529

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a smartphone app that prompts people with depression to reach out to friends or family for support at the right moments. Over 21 days, 120 adults awaiting therapy will be randomly assigned to different versions of the app or no app at all. The goal is to see if these prompts reduce daily depressive symptoms and loneliness.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Smartphone-based social support intervention

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to help people with depression feel less lonely and more supported while waiting for therapy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 120 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The intervention is just a prompt—it may not be enough to meaningfully change symptoms.

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.

Depression major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Zurich

    RECRUITING

    Zurich, Canton of Zurich, 8050, Switzerland

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••