Group Analysis: Practice Based Evidence

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Group Analysis: Can group analytic therapy alleviate psychological distress and improve functioning across a range of mental health diagnoses?

• IRAS ID

  255129

• Contact name

  Susan Hood

• Contact email

  susan.hood@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  NHS Greater Glasgow and CLyde

• Duration of Study in the UK

  5 years, 0 months, 2 days

• Research summary

  The purpose of this study is to add to the evidence base of whether Group Analysis is an effective treatment to alleviate psychological distress and improve functioning across a range of people with a range of mental health diagnoses. The study would be conducted in the Lansdowne Psychotherapy Service. This study is of relevance and importance to patients and public as there are potential gains in knowledge, insight and understanding into the ways in which group analytic therapy affects/improves everyday functioning in relationships in their social world and alleviating distress. For the researcher, gains lie in identifying the clinical effectiveness of group analytic therapy and in what ways it is helpful/unhelpful to participants from their own testimonies and questionnaire results. It will also contribute to the evidence base for this modality of treatment within my service and the wider NHS in which this modality of treatment is offered.

  Eligibility criteria:
  - Adults aged 18+ within the geographical area of North West Glasgow
  - Moderate cross diagnostic criteria including co-morbid physical conditions
  - Complex clinical presentations where previous psychological therapies have not been of subjective benefit e.g. CBT or drug therapies
  - Primary difficulty in functioning is located in relationship dynamics
  - People for whom a longer therapy approach may be indicated
  - Assessed by a Consultant Psychiatrist in Psychotherapy as being suitable for psychological therapies and group therapy
  - Assessed by a Group Analyst as suitable for Group Analytic treatment and this particular therapy group

  The maximum number of initial research participants for this study (n=8) is small, this research study will be rolling over a period of 5 years to allow for an accumulation of data. It is anticipated that the maximum number of participants would be24. Participants will be followed up for 18 months post treatment. The study will be repeated, and trajectories accumulated over future years and therapy groups.

• REC name

  West of Scotland REC 4

• REC reference

  19/WS/0018

• Date of REC Opinion

  28 Feb 2019

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion