SCED - Wisdom Enhancement for Post-Stroke Depression

Not Applicable

Completed

Conditions: Post-stroke Depression

Registration Number: NCT06451965

Lead Sponsor: University of East Anglia

Brief Summary: One-third of stroke survivors experience post-stroke depression, but there are currently no official guidelines for supporting them. Researchers aim to investigate whether the wisdom enhancement timeline technique can reduce depression in stroke survivors. The investigators also want to understand how this technique positively impacts mood, identity, self-esteem, and wisdom. The study will involve nine stroke survivors from the National Health Service (NHS) to gain insights into effective ways to support those with post-stroke depression.

Detailed Description: One-third of stroke survivors have post-stroke depression. Finding ways to help them feel more positive after such a challenging event can be tricky. Right now, there are no official guidelines on the best way to support post-stroke depression, and research into this is still growing. That is why the investigators want to see if the wisdom enhancement timeline can improve the mood and overall well-being of people who have had a stroke.

In this study, the investigators have two goals. First, the investigators want to see if the wisdom enhancement timeline technique can reduce depression in stroke survivors. Second, the investigators aim to discover how this technique brings positive mood changes.

The main question the investigators want to answer

1. Does enhancing wisdom through the timeline technique improve psychological outcomes (mood, identity, self-esteem) in post-stroke depressed individuals?

2. In post-stroke depressed individuals, is the improvement in wisdom the first indicator of subsequent improvements in identity, self-esteem, and mood?

It is hypothesised that wisdom will improve first following the session where wisdom is applied. This will then be followed by either identity or self-esteem, with mood improving last.

To carry out this study, the investigators will work with three stroke survivors receiving care from the National Health Service (NHS). By focusing on this smaller group, the investigators hope to gain insights into the effectiveness of the technique in reducing depression and enhancing the lives of stroke survivors. This study is essential as it could help the investigators understand the best way to support those with post-stroke depression.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: COMPLETED

Sex: All

Target Recruitment: 3

Inclusion Criteria

Had a stroke.
Those who self-report as having difficulties with depression to a clinician.
Have sufficient cognitive and communication abilities for informed consent and active engagement

Exclusion Criteria

Under the age of 18. Because this is the age when they are treated as an adult by UK law.
Severe cognitive impairments or mental health difficulties that would hinder task engagement or provide informed consent.
Medical instability jeopardising consistent participation or well-being.
Significant risk concerns regarding safety to themselves or others.
Substance use/dependency impacting adherence.
Prescribed psychotropic medication less than 3 months ago.
Currently involved in research.

Study & Design

Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL

Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) - Identity	Daily during baseline phase and intervention phase (total of 8-10 weeks depending on baseline length)	A single-item Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess identity, rated daily on a 0-10 scale, where 0 indicates "a disconnect from who they are" and 10 indicates "complete connection." Three participants recorded their rating once each day throughout the baseline and intervention phases.
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) - Wisdom	Daily during baseline phase and intervention phase (total of 8-10 weeks depending on baseline length)	A single-item Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess Wisdom, rated daily on a 0-10 scale, where 0 indicates "low wisdom" and 10 indicates "high wisdom." Participants recorded their rating once each day throughout the baseline and intervention phases.
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) - Self-esteem	Daily during baseline phase and intervention phase (total of 8-10 weeks depending on baseline length)	A single-item Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess self-esteem, rated daily on a 0-10 scale, where 0 indicates "low self-esteem" and 10 indicates "high self-esteem." Participants recorded their rating once each day throughout the baseline and intervention phases.
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) - Mood	Daily during baseline phase and intervention phase (total of 8-10 weeks depending on baseline length)	A single-item Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess mood, rated daily on a 0-10 scale, where 0 indicates "worst possible mood" and 10 indicates "best possible mood." Three participants recorded their rating once each day throughout the trial.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)	Baseline to end of 6-week intervention phase	The PHQ-9 is a 9-item self-report measure assessing the severity of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. Each item is scored from 0 ("not at all") to 3 ("nearly every day"), producing a total score between 0 and 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.