Study reveals how question order skews depression scores in scleroderma patients
NCT ID NCT06772896
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether the way depression questions are asked changes how people with scleroderma report physical symptoms like sleep problems, fatigue, and appetite changes. Over 800 participants were randomly assigned to answer the same depression questionnaire either in the standard order or with the physical symptom questions placed first and separately. The goal was to see if knowing they were being assessed for depression influenced their answers about physical symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could help researchers design better depression questionnaires for people with chronic illnesses, leading to more accurate mental health assessments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed observational study, not a treatment trial. The results may not change clinical practice or directly benefit participants.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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851 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Finished
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Apr 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * SPIN Cohort patients must have a systemic sclerosis (SSc) diagnosis based on 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria confirmed by a SPIN physician, be ≥18 years old, be able to give informed consent, and be fluent in English, French or Spanish. * Participants must have access to a computer or tablet with internet access. Exclusion Criteria: * None.
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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
Locations
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Jewish General Hospital
Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2, Canada
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Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research
Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2, Canada
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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