RecruitingInterventional

Memory reshaping for depression: a randomised controlled feasibility trial of a novel blended digital therapy

This study is exploring a new digital therapy called MemReD for adults with major depression. It's designed for people who might find other treatments, like talking therapies or medication, difficult. The app helps users gently change how they remember past events, focusing on reducing self-blame and recalling positive experiences more easily. Participants will spend 8 weeks using either the MemReD app or a common online therapy program from home. Researchers at King's College London hope this study will show if MemReD is a promising new way to help people manage their depression, especially those looking for independent, digital support.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

22 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 May 2028

Treatment of major depressive disorder

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a new digital therapy called MemReD, which stands for Memory Reshaping for Depression. It's designed to help people who are living with major depression, especially if they haven't found other treatments like talking therapies or medication to be a good fit. The therapy uses simple, guided activities that you can do on your smartphone or tablet from the comfort of your own home. The main idea behind MemReD is to gently change the way you think about and remember certain personal experiences. It aims to help you remember positive things more easily and to reduce feelings of self-blame that can come with depression. Early studies have shown that these types of memory techniques could be really helpful, and this trial will see how well they work when put together in a user-friendly app.

The study is important because it's looking for new and flexible ways to support people's mental health. Many people struggle to access or engage with traditional treatments, and a digital tool that can be used independently could make a big difference. If MemReD proves to be effective, it could offer a new option for many individuals and help us understand more about how memories affect our mood. Researchers hope this trial will give them valuable information about how well MemReD works and how easy it is for people to use.

Taking part in this study means you would be trying out one of two types of therapy for 8 weeks. One group will use the new MemReD app, while another group will use a standard online program called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Both are digital therapies you can complete from home. This allows the researchers to compare the new MemReD app with an established online therapy to see which might be more helpful. Researchers will check in with you to see how you're feeling and how the therapy is working, all aimed at improving our understanding of effective depression treatments.

Key takeaways

New digital app (MemReD) for depression being tested.
Aimed at adults with major depression, especially if other treatments haven't helped.
Uses memory reshaping techniques to improve mood.
8-week program done from home using your own device.
Compares MemReD to a standard online CBT program.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults, aged 18 or older, who have been diagnosed with major depression. You would need to be able to understand written information in English, as the digital therapy relies on reading.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your medication for depression has changed recently (within the last 6 weeks), or if you're currently having other psychological therapy. Also, certain mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder or experiences of psychosis, would mean you couldn't take part. It's also important not to have a high risk of self-harm or thoughts of suicide. You'll also need your own smartphone or tablet with internet access to use the apps.

The researchers will ask you some questions to check if the study is right for you, making sure it’s safe and suitable for everyone involved.

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?
Can you understand written English well?
Have you had no changes to your depression medication in the last 6 weeks?
Are you able to access the internet on your own smartphone or tablet?
Are you not currently receiving other psychological therapy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will use the new MemReD app, and the other will use a common online therapy program called CBT. Both programs will run for 8 weeks. You'll do the therapy independently from home using your own smartphone or tablet with internet access; there are no in-person visits to a clinic. You won't need to change any medication you're currently taking unless advised by your doctor, and the study doesn't involve any new medication. Researchers will regularly check in with you through assessments to see how you're doing and how the therapy is affecting your mood. The whole study is expected to run from February 2025 to October 2028, but your individual participation would last for the 8 weeks of therapy and subsequent follow-up assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits. It could help to improve your depression symptoms, especially if other treatments haven't worked well for you in the past. You'll also be helping researchers develop new and potentially more effective ways to treat depression, which could help many others in the future. As with any mental health treatment, there's a chance you might experience some emotional discomfort when thinking about personal memories and feelings. However, support will be available during the study to help you with this. Remember, you can choose to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and your medical care will not be affected.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London
City only
London, England

Common questions

What is MemReD?

MemReD is a new digital app designed to help people with depression by changing how they remember past events, aiming to boost positive memories and reduce self-blame.

Do I need to go to a clinic?

No, you don't need to visit a clinic. All the therapy is done remotely using your smartphone or tablet from home.

How long will I be in the study?

If you join, you'll be actively involved in the therapy part of the study for 8 weeks, plus some follow-up assessments.

Can I take part if I'm on medication for depression?

You might be able to, but your medication shouldn't have changed in the last 6 weeks. The researchers will discuss this with you.

What happens if I don't like it?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Roland Zahn

roland.zahn@kcl.ac.uk +44 207848 0348 Official trial record

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