CompletedInterventional

Testing the feasibility and acceptability of a novel therapeutic for depression: the CURED trial

The CURED study is looking into a new, self-help treatment for depression. Depression is a common condition that affects many people worldwide. Current treatments aren’t always easy to access, so researchers are trying to find new ways to help. This study will test if a new programme, called CURED, is practical and helpful in improving symptoms of depression and anxiety. It involves adults with major depression and consists of six weekly online sessions. Researchers will check if it can improve how people think and feel, and they'll also gather feedback to make the treatment even better for future use.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

16 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

31 May 2026

Clinical depression

What is this study about?

Depression is a very common and serious condition that can make it hard for people to live their lives fully. It can affect your work, relationships, and general well-being. There are treatments available, but sometimes it's hard to get the help you need, perhaps because there aren't enough trained therapists or it’s too expensive.

This study is testing a new approach called CURED (Cognitive Modification Utilised to Rectify Cognitive Errors for Depression). It's a type of therapy that aims to help people change unhelpful thinking patterns, which can often play a big part in depression. The idea is to make treatment more accessible by offering a program you can do yourself. This study will see if CURED is practical to use, if people like it, and if it helps with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The CURED program involves six weekly sessions that you complete yourself, likely online. Researchers will be carefully checking how participants are feeling throughout the study. This helps them understand how well CURED works and gather information that will be useful for designing bigger studies in the future. They also want to hear from people who try CURED to see what they liked and what could be improved.

Key takeaways

Tests a new self-help approach (CURED) for depression and anxiety.
Aims to make depression treatment more accessible.
Involves 6 weekly online sessions and several assessments over a few months.
Open to adults aged 18+ with major depression.
Potential benefits for mood; stress will be monitored with support if needed.
Run by King's College London researchers.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with major depression. You would need to score at a certain level on a depression questionnaire to be included.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have other serious health problems that would make it difficult to do the study tasks. You also can’t be currently receiving psychotherapy, or have had it very recently. If you're on medication for your mental health, you shouldn't have changed your dose or type of medication in the last month, or plan to during the study.

The study also can't include people with certain other mental health conditions like psychosis or bipolar disorder, or those with significant issues with alcohol or drug use. Also, if you’ve had a head injury that caused you to lose consciousness, or if you are currently having serious thoughts about harming yourself, you wouldn't be able to take part. Finally, if you're already in another study trying to improve your mental health or brain function, you wouldn't be eligible for this one.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with major depression?
Are you not currently in psychotherapy, or haven't been in the last 2 months?
Have you not changed any mental health medication in the last month, and don't expect to?
Do you not have a serious physical or mental condition that would stop you from completing online tasks?
Are you not currently having serious thoughts of harming yourself?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the study, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will try the new CURED treatment, and the other will receive a control procedure, which is a neutral activity. Both groups will complete six weekly sessions, which you will do yourself, likely online. After each session, you'll fill out a short online questionnaire.

Throughout the study, you'll have four main check-ins: at the very beginning, after all the sessions are completed, and then again one month and three months later. You'll also do quick check-ins each week after your sessions. These assessments will involve completing questionnaires about your mood and thinking patterns. If you're in the CURED group, some people will also be asked to do an individual interview to share their thoughts on the treatment. The entire study is expected to run from March 2025 until November 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

It's possible that participating in either group of this study could offer some benefit for symptoms of depression or anxiety, though this is not guaranteed. The control procedure uses neutral items and is not expected to cause any problems. However, trying out any new therapy might sometimes make you feel a bit stressed. To address this, the researchers will regularly check how you’re feeling. If needed, you’ll be offered a follow-up chat with a clinical psychologist. Remember, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

King's College London
Approximate
London, England

Common questions

What is CURED?

CURED is a new type of therapy that aims to help people with depression by improving how they interpret situations and think.

How long will I be in the study?

The study involves 6 weekly sessions, plus check-ups at the start, immediately after, and then one and three months later.

Do I have to go to a clinic?

The sessions and questionnaires are likely done online, so you may not need to visit the clinic in person for the main activities.

What if I’m already taking medication for depression?

You might still be able to join, but you shouldn't have changed your medication or dose in the last month, or expect to during the study.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by researchers at King's College London, with funding from the Ministry of Education of Turkey and King's College London.

How to find out more

Kaan Karamanli

kaan.karamanli@kcl.ac.uk +44 (0)7445 094708 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.