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Evaluation of a Male-specific Psychotherapeutic Program for Major Depressive Disorders
Sponsor: Andreas Walther
Summary
This project aims to evaluate a male-specific psychotherapeutic program (MSPP) for MDD based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The primary goal is to test the superiority of the MSPP. This will be conducted in two groups of depressed men, namely eudonadal depressed men and hypogonadal depressed men receiving testosterone treatment (TT). In a randomized study design, the MSPP will be compared to a standard CBT and a waitlist control group, resulting in a total of six study groups. Both standardized psychotherapy programs will encompass 18 sessions delivered in a weekly manner, starting at study week 6 and continuing until study week 24. Aligned with the TT-related medical visits of the hypogonadal men, all participants will be followed up with clinical assessments and biosampling at weeks 0, 6, 15, 24, 36. In addition, a separate healthy control group will be examined, which will undergo only baseline assessments.
Official title: Evaluation of a Male-specific Psychotherapeutic Program for Major Depressive Disorders Compared to Standard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: a Randomized Controlled Superiority Trial
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
25 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
244
Start Date
2023-03-15
Completion Date
2025-10-31
Last Updated
2025-03-28
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Male-specific psychotherapeutic program (MSPP)
The MSPP for MDD is designed to be used for the acute treatment of depression in men in 18 sessions over a period of 18 weeks. Therapy is delivered weekly with homework bridging every session. Central CBT elements (e.g. behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring) will be retained in MSPP. During implementation of typical CBT techniques, masculine role norms will be considered. One underlying topic will be the potential of multiple masculinities to coexist, being fluid and relational within one man, emphasizing positive aspects of masculinities compatible with psychotherapy for MDD.
Cognitive beahvioral therapy (CBT)
This intervention consists of 18 sessions of manualized, standard cognitive behavioral therapy for major depression. Therapy is delivered weekly with homework bridging every session.
Locations (1)
Ambulatory for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Behavioral Medicine of the University of Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland