Internet-based program for young adults with depression or anxiety in Hong Kong
Tests an internet-based program for depression or anxiety in young adults aged 18 to 29.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Effectiveness of Internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP) for Emotional Problems: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key facts
- Where
- Hong Kong, Hong KongSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 29 years old?
Source: NCT07908628, who can take part
Where in Hong Kong
- New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation AssociationHong Kong, Hong KongNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
- Trial code
- NCT07908628
- Record updated
- 2 November 2026
- Original description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if an internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP) intervention is effective for treating depression and anxiety disorders in Hong Kong young adults aged 18-29 years. This study is conducted within the eClinic, a public mental health support service provided by a Hong Kong non-government organisation (NGO). The main questions it aims to answer are:Read full original descriptionShow less
Effectiveness of an Adapted, Internet-based Version of a Transdiagnostic Intervention (Unified Protocol) for Emotional Problems: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if an internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP) intervention is effective for treating depression and anxiety disorders in Hong Kong young adults aged 18-29 years. This study is conducted within the eClinic, a public mental health support service provided by a Hong Kong non-government organisation (NGO). The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Is the iUP intervention effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders? * How long is the treatment effect sustained after the intervention ends? * Does the intervention also improve real-world functioning, such as occupational and academic performance?
Researchers will compare participants who receive the iUP intervention immediately with those in a wait-list control group (who receive no intervention during the waiting period) to evaluate the effectiveness of iUP.
Participants will:
* Receive a 14-week iUP intervention either immediately or after a 14-week waiting period according to randomisation * Complete weekly and follow-up questionnaires throughout the study period
Inclusion: Able to speak, read and write Chinese; Present caseness according to NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) criteria, defined as a PHQ-9 total score ≥ 10 and/or a GAD-7 total score ≥ 8 at the start of treatment.
Exclusion: Present with a history of psychosis in the recent 2 years; Demonstrate sub-average intelligence (e.g., based on a history of intellectual disability); Present with a known, formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Present with unstable psychiatric medication states in recent 3 months (i.e., had recent initiation of psychiatric medication or dosage change); Present with severe risk for self-harm or suicide (i.e., indicated as being at higher risk on the P4 Screener); Present with active homicidal ideations; Concurrently receive other psychological services; Present with current substance abuse.