Comparative Efficacy of Self-Help Multicomponent Lifestyle Medicine Intervention and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depressive Symptoms

The objective of this proposed pilot randomized controlled trial is to examine the efficacy of self-help multicomponent lifestyle medicine intervention and cognitive behavioral therapy relative to a wait-list control group for alleviating depressive symptoms among Hong Kong Chinese adults.

Inclusion Criteria:Hong Kong residentsAged 18 or aboveAble to read Chinese and write in Chinese or EnglishHave a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) total score of 10 or higher indicating at least moderate level of depressive symptomsWilling to provide informed consent and comply with the trial protocolHave an Internet-enabled mobile device (iOS or Android operating system) (for data collection purposes)Exclusion Criteria:Received psychotherapy for depression and/or insomnia in the past 6 monthsA change in psychotropic drugs or over-the-counter medications that target depression and/or insomnia within 2 weeks before the baseline assessmentA PHQ-9 item-9 score equal to or higher than 2, indicating a moderate level of suicidal risk that requires active crisis management (referral information to professional mental health services will be provided)Currently participating in another interventional study that may potentially improve mental healthPregnancySelf-disclosure of having unsafe conditions for which physical activity or a change in diet was contraindicated by physicians or other health professionals (e.g., dietitian)Self-disclosure of a diagnosis of any major psychiatric, medical, or neurocognitive disorders that make participation unsuitable or interfere with the adherence to the interventions