ComBAT feasibility study and survey
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Community-based Behavioural Activation Training (ComBAT) for Depression in Adolescents: A single-group pre-post feasibility study with an embedded qualitative study and a parallel professional survey
IRAS ID
302389
Contact name
Lina Gega
Contact email
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN30483950
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Depression is a major cause of poor health and social disability, affecting children of all ages but peaking in adolescence. Common symptoms include persistent sadness or irritability, loss of interest in activities and people, and fatigue. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) offer interventions for depression; however due to increased demand and limited resources, waiting lists are long and entry thresholds are high. This creates gaps between treatment provision and need, with resources often prioritised for severe and complex presentations. Young people with mild-to-moderate depression often do not meet threshold criteria for CAMHS entry. Staff trained to provide mental health support in schools and charities are limited in numbers and many of the non-specific, supportive interventions available are not evidence-based and may contain but not treat depression.
Behavioural Activation (BA), a brief psychological intervention, is recommended for adults with depression. BA's premise is that engaging in meaningful, purposeful and rewarding activities can lift people's mood, energise them and restore their interest and pleasure in day-to-day life. BA has been successfully delivered by non-specialists in the community and requires fewer sessions and shorter training than other types of psychological therapies, such as cognitive therapy. BA has shown promising results for young people in small research projects when delivered in specialist clinics. Larger scale research in the community is needed to establish the acceptability, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of BA for young people with mild to moderate depression.
This project is the first in a series of work packages for a large five-year programme on BA for young people with mild to moderate depression. In this first project, we will produce standardised BA materials for young people and professionals who will support them, evaluate the BA intervention with a small group of 12-18 year olds and explore usual care provision in community settings.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NE/0182
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion