A machine learning-guided lifestyle intervention was associated with depression symptom remission in 55% of participants who completed the intervention, according to a pilot study published May 19 in Nature.
The study, led by researchers from the University of California San Diego, enrolled 50 adults with mild-to-moderate depression in the Personalized Mood Augmentation trial. Participants completed smartphone-based mood surveys up to four times daily and wore smartwatches to track sleep, exercise, diet and social connection data over 60 ecological momentary assessment sessions conducted during a two- to four-week monitoring period. Researchers also conducted follow-up assessments at six weeks and 12 weeks after the intervention.
Based on the machine learning analysis, participants received individualized mood augmentation plans targeting sleep, exercise, diet or social connection. Participants then completed six weeks of weekly 20-minute virtual coaching sessions focused on their assigned domain.
Researchers noted the trial lacked a randomized control group and included a modest sample size. Data collection occurred between winter 2022 and fall 2024.
Here are three things to know:
- Among the 40 participants who completed the intervention, self-reported PHQ-9 depression scores improved by 3.5 points on average. Researchers reported that 22 participants achieved remission, defined as a PHQ-9 score below five.
- Anxiety symptoms declined (36%), while quality-of-life and mindfulness scores improved. Researchers also observed gains in selective attention, working memory and interference processing.
- Of the 40 participants who completed the intervention, 17 received social connection-focused plans, followed by exercise (13), sleep (five) and diet (five).
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
