Effectiveness of CAT-GSH for returning patients v0.9
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effectiveness and acceptability of cognitive analytic therapy guided self-help (CAT-GSH) for anxiety and depression for returning patients in NHS Talking Therapies services
IRAS ID
352937
Contact name
Andrew J Laphan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 29 days
Research summary
There is evidence that 14% of patients treated for their anxiety or depression in NHS Talking Therapies (TT) services return for further treatment and the needs of these patients are poorly understood and met. This project focusses on a treatment return population that have previously received cognitive behavioural therapy-guided self-help (CBT-GSH). Evidence is building for the effectiveness and acceptability of cognitive analytic therapy-guided self-help (CAT-GSH). However, no studies have examined CAT-GSH for people returning to TT services. To address this gap in the evidence base, this study will explore 1) Is CAT-GSH effective and acceptable for people returning to the Talking Therapies service, when compared to a patient who chooses CBT-GSH again, 2) Is CAT-GSH effective and acceptable for people returning to the Talking Therapies service, when compared to first-time treatment participants using CBT-GSH.
The project does not rely on randomisation as it wishes to support patient preferences. The study will occur at 2 TT service sites, who will be trained and supervised in delivering CAT-GSH. We’ll compare CAT-GSH to CBT-GSH with the aid of propensity score matching (PSM) to create comparisons between CAT-GSH and those that choose CBT-GSH, and those that use CBT-GSH for the first time. Using PSM helps in suggesting that differences in outcomes are more likely due to the treatment itself and not other factors. The routine outcome measures that are collected in the TT services will be harvested and analysed to assess effectiveness and acceptability (dropout and attendance). Data collection will end in December 2025. The study is funded by the University of Sheffield and Catalyse Limited which is a registered charity.
Participants will:
• Choose their preferred GSH
• Complete 6 sessions of either CAT-GSH or CBT-GSH
• Sessions will be weekly or bi-weekly
• Complete sessional outcome measures as part of routine clinical practice.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
25/ES/0024
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion