Evaluation of CRT in an inpatient ED service for young people (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Cognitive Remediation Therapy in a specialist inpatient eating disorder service for children and adolescents
IRAS ID
214846
Contact name
Lucia Giombini
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Director of Research, Management, Director of Administration (Health Schools) King’s College London
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 2 days
Research summary
Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) is an intervention for anorexia nervosa (AN) that focuses on improving the cognitive inefficiencies that underlie the illness (e.g. poor flexibility in thinking styles; details focused approach). The current literature has reported promising results regarding its efficacy for AN in the form of both individual and group therapy. Positive feedbacks from both clinicians and services users have also been collected.
However, there is a scarcity of studies exploring the application of CRT in children and adolescents suffering from AN.
A high proportion of people suffering from AN is represented by young people (YP), and CRT would positively impact on their cognitive development and also on helping them to reduce the unhelpful thinking styles that could maintain the illness.The study will be undertaken at Rhodes Wood Hospital, a non-NHS inpatient unit for children and adolescents suffering from AN aged 10-18. Each participant will receive 8 CRT individual sessions twice weekly at the beginning of the treatment program (Experimental Group) or in the middle of the treatment program (Control Group). Allocation to the Experimental or the Control group will be randomised.
The first aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of CRT in YP using an individual format and whether CRT improves their thinking styles and ability to see the ‘big picture’ vs. details. This will be achieved by administering a battery of clinical questionnaires and analysing the data using quantitative methods.
The second aim of the study is to explore YPs’ and their parents/carers’ experiences of CRT using a qualitative approach. Participants will be asked to complete a satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the intervention; and participants' parents/carers will be invited to attend focus groups. These data will allow clinicians to further develop the intervention and to tailor it based on YP’s needs.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0876
Date of REC Opinion
1 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion