ReDy- Rethinking Depression Relapse
Project Lead: Prof. Dr. phil. Birgit Watzke
Project Manager: Dr. phil. Catalina Nuñez Barraza
Project Coordinator: MSc Damien Doshi
Depression often follows a recurring or chronic course and remains a major burden for many affected individuals, even after successful treatment. Relapse is common and can have long-term effects on well-being, quality of life, and everyday functioning. It is therefore essential to better understand how relapse develops and how it can be identified or prevented at an early stage.
The project ReDy (Rethinking Dynamics of Depression Relapse) investigates the role of daily functioning – such as work ability, social participation, and managing everyday life – in maintaining recovery after depression. Current relapse prevention approaches mainly focus on depressive symptoms. However, difficulties in daily functioning often persist even after treatment and may play an important role in determining whether people remain well or experience a new depressive episode.
The aim of the project is to better understand the dynamic interplay between functioning, depressive symptoms, and psychological processes in everyday life. To achieve this, 200 individuals who have successfully completed acute treatment for depression will be followed over a period of twelve months. During the first five months, participants will complete short smartphone-based assessments several times a day to capture real-life changes as they occur. In addition, they will provide voice diary entries about positive and challenging daily experiences. Passive sensing data collected through smartwatches, such as activity and sleep-related indicators, will also be used to better understand behavioral patterns associated with recovery and relapse risk.
Using advanced statistical methods, the study will analyze these data to identify individual risk patterns and warning signs of relapse. A central component of the project is the active involvement of people with lived experience of depression through Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). Their perspectives will help shape the study design, assess feasibility, and guide the interpretation of findings to ensure that the research remains relevant and meaningful for those affected.
The ReDy project aims to improve the prediction of depression relapse and support the development of personalized aftercare and relapse prevention strategies. In the long term, this may help strengthen recovery after treatment and improve the quality of life of those affected.
The project ReDy (Rethinking Dynamics of Depression Relapse) investigates the role of daily functioning – such as work ability, social participation, and managing everyday life – in maintaining recovery after depression. Current relapse prevention approaches mainly focus on depressive symptoms. However, difficulties in daily functioning often persist even after treatment and may play an important role in determining whether people remain well or experience a new depressive episode.
The aim of the project is to better understand the dynamic interplay between functioning, depressive symptoms, and psychological processes in everyday life. To achieve this, 200 individuals who have successfully completed acute treatment for depression will be followed over a period of twelve months. During the first five months, participants will complete short smartphone-based assessments several times a day to capture real-life changes as they occur. In addition, they will provide voice diary entries about positive and challenging daily experiences. Passive sensing data collected through smartwatches, such as activity and sleep-related indicators, will also be used to better understand behavioral patterns associated with recovery and relapse risk.
Using advanced statistical methods, the study will analyze these data to identify individual risk patterns and warning signs of relapse. A central component of the project is the active involvement of people with lived experience of depression through Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). Their perspectives will help shape the study design, assess feasibility, and guide the interpretation of findings to ensure that the research remains relevant and meaningful for those affected.
The ReDy project aims to improve the prediction of depression relapse and support the development of personalized aftercare and relapse prevention strategies. In the long term, this may help strengthen recovery after treatment and improve the quality of life of those affected.
Project duration: 2026 – 2030
Project funding: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
Project partners:
Prof. Charles Driver, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich.
Prof. Anja Frei, Institute for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention (EBPI) and Population Research Center (PRC), University of Zurich.
Prof. Viktor von Wyl, Digital and Mobile Health at the Faculty of Medicine and Digital Society Initiative, University of Zurich.
Contact
If you are interested and would like more information, please contact us at:redy@psychologie.uzh.ch
