Depression Treatment for Young Adult (DeTYA) Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating a Modular Psychological Treatment for Depression to Reduce Symptoms and Prevent Relapse in Young Adults
IRAS ID
365184
Contact name
Pushpsen Joshi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2025/12/52, UCL Data Protection
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and among adults, young adults have the highest prevalence. Psychological treatments have shown to be effective at supporting recovery, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). However, many patients experience a return of symptoms (relapse) after recovering. There is a need for treatment to not only reduce depression symptoms but to also reduce the likelihood of future relapse. This study is part of a wider PhD project that aims to develop and assess a psychological intervention for depression that targets depression symptoms and addresses relapse risk factors in young adults (18-25 years old).
We have previously conducted a Delphi Study that brought together clinicians, academics and young adult experts-by-experience to reach consensus on the important components of psychological treatment for depression to reduce depression symptoms and to target relapse risk factors (UCL Ethics ID: 28465.001). Using the consensus reached and focus-groups with key stakeholders, we have developed a psychological intervention for young adults which provides an additional focus on targeting relapse risk factors.
The aim of this present study is to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability and of the CBT-based modular psychological intervention for depression in young adults (18-25 years old). The study will adopt a case series design. Potential participants will be screened for eligibility and will receive up to 20 session of treatment. Outcome measures will be completed at baseline, during the treatment period, at the end of treatment and at follow-up. Participants and clinicians will be invited to complete a post-treatment interview to assess acceptability of the intervention. Participants will be recruited from the North London NHS Foundation Trust Talking Therapies.
The study is funded by a University College London Clinical, Health and Educational Psychology PhD Demonstratorship.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0190
Date of REC Opinion
25 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion