#  Publication: A Pilot Study of a Precision Treatment Trial Comparing Psychotherapy and Antidepressants for Depression in Indian Primary Care Settings 

 





September 15, 2026

 

 

 [ Julia Ruiz Pozuelo ](/people/julia-ruiz-pozuelo) [ John Naslund ](/people/john-naslund) [ Vikram Patel ](/people/vikram-patel) 

We are excited to announce that OptimizeD has completed and published the Pilot Trial. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a precision treatment trial comparing psychotherapy based on behavioral activation (the Healthy Activity Program) with antidepressant medication (fluoxetine) in adults with depression in primary care settings in India. A single-blind, two-arm randomized controlled pilot was conducted with adults aged ≥18 years with moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9 score≥10) from eight primary healthcare centers in Bhopal, India. It was determined that precision mental health is feasible in routine primary care settings, and non-specialists delivered treatments effectively, with 45.2% achieving remission. Symptom variability suggests individual moderators of treatment response. Overall, this pilot demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a precision treatment trial for depression in Indian primary care, identified refinements to optimize procedures for the main trial, and supported the potential to identify the optimal treatment for each patient.



 

 

 

 [ Read the Full Article Here arrow\_circle\_right ](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005789426000729?dgcid=author) 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

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