CompletedInterventional

Tackling chronic depression (TACK II)

Depression affects many people, but for roughly one in five, symptoms last for more than two years despite treatment. This is known as chronic depression. The TACK II trial is looking at whether a digital tool called DIALOG+ can help improve quality of life for adults dealing with long-lasting depression. Participants are placed into one of two groups through their clinician. In one group, patients and clinicians use an app on a tablet computer during routine visits to rate life satisfaction and choose areas to work on together using practical problem-solving steps. In the other group, patients have their usual care visits and fill out a short questionnaire on the tablet on their own. The study lasts 12 months and takes place across several NHS trusts in England. Taking part does not change your normal medication, and participants receive £20 for completing study questionnaires.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

East London NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

548

Start

01 Jul 2019

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2022

Depression

What is this study about?

Depression is a very common mental health condition, but it affects everyone differently. While many people recover with standard treatments, around 20% experience depression that lasts for two years or longer. When low mood persists for this long, it is often called chronic depression. It can cause ongoing distress, make day-to-day life feel overwhelming, and significantly reduce a person's quality of life.

To find better ways of supporting people in this situation, researchers developed an approach called DIALOG+. First tested with people living with schizophrenia, DIALOG+ uses a simple app on a tablet computer during regular appointments. It prompts you to rate how satisfied you feel with eleven different areas of life, including your mental health, accommodation, relationships, and job. You and your clinician then pick the most important topics to focus on and use a clear, four-step problem-solving approach to find practical ways forward.

Because DIALOG+ helped people feel more satisfied with life and saved money in previous mental health studies, researchers now want to see if it can bring the same benefits to people with chronic depression. By comparing this tablet-supported approach with standard NHS care over one year, the study hopes to discover whether it offers a practical, effective way to help patients build a better quality of life.

Key takeaways

Tests a tablet-based app (DIALOG+) to help guide conversations during mental health appointments.
Aimed at adults who have experienced depression for two years or longer.
Runs over 12 months alongside your regular NHS mental health appointments.
Does not require any changes to your everyday medications or treatment.
Offers a £20 payment for completing research questionnaires.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 to 100 living in England who have had depression or continuous low mood for at least two years. It is fine if you also have other conditions alongside depression, such as anxiety.

To be eligible, you must be receiving care from an NHS mental health team and seeing a mental health professional (such as a care coordinator, nurse, or support worker) on a regular basis. You also need to be able to understand English and make your own informed decision about taking part.

You cannot join this study completely on your own. Because the trial involves your regular healthcare team, your current NHS mental health clinician must refer you to the study.

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.

I am between 18 and 100 years of age.
I have lived with depression or low mood for at least two years.
I am currently receiving regular care from an NHS mental health service.
I can speak and understand English.
I am willing to discuss my well-being using a tablet computer during sessions.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts for 12 months and fits alongside your routine NHS care. Your mental health clinician will be assigned by chance to either the DIALOG+ group or the standard care group. If they are in the DIALOG+ group, you will spend time during your regular appointments using a tablet app together to review how life is going and agree on practical steps forward. If they are in the comparison group, your appointments will carry on as usual, and you will simply complete a quick satisfaction survey on the tablet at the end.

You will not be asked to take any new medications, and your current treatment will continue as planned. A researcher will check in with you at the start of the study, and then at 3, 6, and 12 months to ask how you are feeling and measure your quality of life. You will receive a £20 payment for your time each time you complete these study questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may not directly improve your symptoms, but many people find that using a structured tool helps them have more open and productive conversations with their care team. Your feedback will also help improve NHS services for others with long-term depression. Because this is a talking-based and digital study, there are no medical side effects. However, talking about personal worries and difficult feelings can sometimes be upsetting. If you feel distressed, the session can be paused or stopped right away, and your clinician will be there to support you. Joining is entirely your choice, and you are free to leave the study at any time without any change to your standard NHS care.

Locations (8)

Warneford Hospital
Approximate
Oxford, England
Sheffield Health & Social Care NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Sheffield, England
Gloucestershire Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Cheltenham, England
Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Wickford, England
Devon Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Exeter, England
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Taunton, England
North East London NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Rainham, England
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Beckenham, England

Common questions

Do I have to change or stop my current depression medications?

No. The study does not test medications, and you will continue taking all your prescribed treatments as normal.

Will I be paid for taking part in the study?

Yes. You will receive £20 to thank you for your time whenever you complete the research questionnaires.

How is my group decided?

Clinicians are randomly placed into either the DIALOG+ group or the usual care group by a computer, much like flipping a coin.

What happens if I find the conversations distressing?

You can pause or stop the session at any moment. Your clinician is trained to support you, and you only talk about things you feel comfortable sharing.

Can I refer myself directly to the trial?

No. You must be referred by your current NHS mental health clinician because the study works directly through your existing care sessions.

How to find out more

Victoria Bird

v.j.bird@qmul.ac.uk 02075404380 extn 2340 Official trial record

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