Could a simple instruction change how you report depression?

NCT ID NCT06956378

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of California, Irvine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study explores whether highlighting certain words in questionnaire instructions (like 'bothered by') affects how people with depression or anxiety respond. Two hundred U.S. adults who have been treated for these conditions in the past year will take the same survey twice in one day. The goal is to see if instruction emphasis leads to different scores, which could improve how mental health is measured.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Instruction Emphasis (behavioral intervention)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could help researchers design better mental health questionnaires that more accurately capture symptoms.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-day study with no treatment involved. Results may not apply to real-world clinical settings or other populations.

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

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

About 200 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Apr 2025

Expected to finish

Mar 2026

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

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

18 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * 18 or older * U.S. resident * Self-report being treated for or receiving a diagnosis generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder by a licensed provider (e.g., MD, DO, LPCC, LCSW, LMFT) in the past 12 months Exclusion Criteria: \-

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder Depression generalized anxiety disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Anxiety disorder (panic disorder or gad) Depression - major depressive disorder Depression, anxiety

Could a simple instruction change how you report depression?

What the study statuses mean