Can a phone app cure loneliness? new study tests social support nudges for depression
NCT ID NCT07471529
First seen Mar 20, 2026 · Last updated Jun 22, 2026 · Updated 11 times
Summary
This study is testing a smartphone app that prompts people with depression to ask for help from friends or family at the right moments. Over 21 days, 120 adults waiting for 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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Zurich
RECRUITINGZurich, Canton of Zurich, 8050, Switzerland
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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 that prompts social support-seeking
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 (120 participants) testing a behavioral intervention, so results may not apply broadly. The app only suggests reaching out—it cannot guarantee that support will be available or helpful.
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.