Can a weekly chat with fellow veterans lift depression? small study says maybe.

NCT ID NCT06145334

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This completed study tested whether weekly peer-led social groups could help older veterans struggling with depression and loneliness. Eighteen veterans took part in 16 weeks of group meetings. Researchers measured changes in mood, social support, and loneliness using questionnaires and interviews. The goal was to see if the program was helpful and how to improve it for future use.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: peer-led weekly social groups
What this could lead to: If successful, this program could offer a low-cost, community-based way to reduce loneliness and depression symptoms in older veterans.
What could go wrong: This was a very small study (18 participants) with no comparison group, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention is not a medical treatment and may not work for everyone.

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION ISOLATION LONELINESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA

Bedford, Massachusetts, 01730-1114, United States

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