An RCT of DBT-SE for PD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Skills for Employment (DBT-SE) compared with a referral to a mental health employment specialist for people with difficulties consistent with a personality disorder (PD).
IRAS ID
245510
Contact name
Janet Feigenbaum
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North East London NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 15 days
Research summary
We plan to conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate whether a new psychological intervention, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Skills for Employment (DBT-SE), is more effective than support provided by Mental Health Employment Services (MHES) in helping people who experience difficulties consistent with a personality disorder (PD) to gain and retain paid employment. The RCT is part of a wider research programme “Enabling and Motivating People (with a personality disorder) in Occupation Wellbeing Education and Responsibility (EMPOWER)” funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
It is important we develop recovery focused services to help to tackle the challenges of employment for people with mental health problems. People with a PD have complex needs and while therapeutic interventions result in improved mental health, their vocational outcomes remain comparatively poor. This suggests that targeted vocational interventions are vital for improving the lives of people with a PD. DBT-SE is an intervention informed that focuses on identifying and modifying the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural factors which lead to poor self-management and interpersonal difficulties in the workplace. It will be delivered by healthcare professionals in NHS Trusts and Third Sector Organisations that provide mental health support services (e.g. Mind).
Participants are eligible if they report difficulties consistent with a PD; are of working age but not currently working (or working limited hours for limited salary/medically certified unfit to work due to mental health); eligible for work in the UK; available for employment and able to verbally communicate in English.
Participants will be allocated to either DBT-SE plus Treatment as Usual (TAU) or MHES plus TAU. DBT-SE participants will attend 3 hour group sessions for 17 weeks. The services MHES participants receive will vary between organisations but typically include support in employment preparing activity, motivation, skills development, and managing mental health difficulties.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EM/0262
Date of REC Opinion
26 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion