What the trial was testing
The SUMMIT enrolled 1,230 patients with depression. The study was sponsored by Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
Researchers followed patients through treatment and into recovery, tracking the outcomes that mattered most for the disease being studied.
What the results showed
80% lower odds of suicidal thoughts at 3 months after brief behavioral therapy.
JAMA Psychiatry · 2025 · NCT04153864
These findings — that of endorsing suicide thoughts at 3 months after brief behavioral activation therapy — were published in the JAMA Psychiatry and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 1,230 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with depression, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
Behavioral activation therapy is widely available through trained therapists and can often be delivered by non-specialist providers. Many insurance plans cover psychotherapy. Postpartum mental health is a medical emergency — call 988 if in crisis. Ask your obstetrician or primary care doctor for a referral.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open depression trials
Optimizing Care for Cancer Survivors With Depression: Project 3
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate different depression treatment approaches among cancer survivors. A cancer survivor is defined as anyone who is living and has been diagnosed with cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive a mobile app for depression treatment, called "Moodivate", or to receive telehealth depression treatment sessions. Approximately 2/3 of participants enrolled will receive the mobile app and the remaining 1/3 will receive depression treatment via telehealth. Participants that receive Moodivate may later be assigned to also receive depression treatment via telehealth based their response to the Moodivate app. Participants will be asked to either use the Moodivate app and/or receive depression treatment via telehealth for a period of 10 weeks. All participants will be asked to electronic questionnaire measures throughout the study period. Questionnaires will assess symptoms of depression, as well as general experiences using Moodivate and participating in this trial. Participation in this study will take about 24 weeks. Participation in this study may help improve options for emotional wellness for cancer survivors. The greatest risks of this study include frustration, worsening of emotional distress, data breach, and/or loss of confidentiality.
Bridge to Belonging: Peer Led Intervention to Reduce Loneliness and Depression Among Older Gay and Bisexual Men
Older gay and bisexual men living with HIV (OGBMLH) are more likely to experience depression and loneliness, which can lead to negative health outcomes. This mixed-methods research study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Bridge to Belonging (B2B) intervention. B2B is a peer-delivered, manualized program designed to increase engagement in LGBTQ+-affirming elder services and thereby reduce loneliness and depression among OGBMLH. The program utilizes a) cognitive behavioral therapy-based Friendship Enrichment Program (FEP) to build social skills; b) Peer Mentoring (PM) to model and support engagement in community services; and c) connecting participants to affirming elder services such as meal programs, bereavement groups, social activities, etc. Interventions like B2B are essential to the NIH's goal of improving access to behavioral interventions through advances in HIV/AIDS research.