Overview
This pilot randomized controlled trial will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a six-week behavioral intervention designed to improve mood and daily functioning in adults who have experienced a stroke and report depressive symptoms and difficulty becoming engaged in activities after waking.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either the behavioral intervention or a health education program. Assessments will be completed before and immediately after the six-week program and will include questionnaires and seven-day monitoring of sleep, activity, and mood. The study will also examine feasibility indices such as participant retention, intervention attendance, acceptability, and preliminary changes in mood.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18 years or older.
- History of stroke at least 6 months before enrollment.
- Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of 10 or higher.
- Difficulty getting started or engaging in activities in the morning.
- Able to provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Conditions that would interfere with study participation.
- Neurological condition other than stroke.
- Currently receiving psychological therapy for depression.
- Significant cognitive impairment or dementia.
- Current or past diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or mania.
- Hospitalization that would interfere with study participation.
- Acute or significant suicidal ideation
- Alcohol or substance use problems within the past month.
- Use of antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication unless the dosage has been stable for at least 4 weeks and no changes are planned during the study.
