Time-Dependent Changes in Depressive Symptoms Among Control Participants in Digital-Based Psychological Intervention Studies: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Digital-based psychological interventions (DPIs) have been shown to be efficacious in many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in dealing with depression in adults. However, the effects of control comparators in these DPI studies have been largely overlooked, and they may vary in their effects on depression management.

Objective: This meta-analytical study aimed to provide a quantitative estimate of the within-subject effects of control groups across different time intervals and explore the moderating effects of control types and symptom severity at baseline.