COMMITS
(2026)Objective
Multicenter RCT testing whether remote motivational interviewing (MI) reduces post-stroke depressive symptoms compared with attention control and usual care after mild stroke.
Study Summary
• Primary PHQ-9 at 3 months: 4 (1-8) vs 4 (1-8) vs 5 (2-9).
• MI vs UC: P=0.025.
• AC vs UC: P=0.058.
• ~25% attended no session at all.
• MI vs UC: P=0.025.
• AC vs UC: P=0.058.
• ~25% attended no session at all.
Intervention
Motivational interviewing (MI): 4 remote sessions x 45 min, beginning within 6 weeks of randomization; Attention Control (AC): same dose; Usual Care (UC) reference
Inclusion Criteria
UK, multicenter. Within 28 days of mild stroke. Excluded: severe depression, severe disability, moderate-severe communication difficulty. Age 66, NIHSS 3, baseline PHQ-9 3 (1-5).
Study Design
Arms: Motivational Interviewing vs Attention Control vs Usual Care
Patients per Arm: MI n=415 vs AC n=415 vs UC n=416 (total 1246)
Outcome
• Primary PHQ-9 at 3 months: MI 4 (1-8) vs AC 4 (1-8) vs UC 5 (2-9).
• MI vs UC: P=0.025.
• AC vs UC: P=0.058.
• Small but consistent reduction in depressive symptoms with MI.
• Attendance limited: ~25% attended no sessions.
• MI vs UC: P=0.025.
• AC vs UC: P=0.058.
• Small but consistent reduction in depressive symptoms with MI.
• Attendance limited: ~25% attended no sessions.