Intrusive cognitions in young people with depression and PTSD.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Intrusive cognitions in children and adolescents with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
IRAS ID
183282
Contact name
Aleksandra Kralj
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 28 days
Research summary
Intrusive cognitions in children and adolescents with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
We know that lots of people who have experienced a ‘trauma’ (something frightening or very upsetting) have memories and thoughts of the trauma that pop into their head and distract them from what they are doing. We call these ‘intrusive cognitions’. Some people who have experienced a trauma have lots of intrusive cognitions that make it very difficult for them to do day to day things. This is called post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. However, it is not only people with PTSD who have intrusive cognitions. We also know that adults who have depression have lots of intrusive cognitions.
Depression is one of the most common mental health problems in children, adolescents and adults, but current psychological treatments are not helpful to many young people. Research suggests that intrusive cognitions may play a role in maintaining low mood. Intrusive cognitions may therefore be an important focus for treatment. Lots of the research that has been done so far has only asked adults about their intrusive cognitions. We need to find out more about the intrusive cognitions that children and young people experience.
In this research, we will speak to young people aged between 11 and 16 years old. Some of these young people will have PTSD and/or depression and some will not have any mental health problems. Young people taking part will be asked to complete some questionnaires online. We will then interview them over the phone to ask about their intrusive cognitions. The interview will take around one hour to complete. By comparing young people’s experiences, we hope to find out whether treatments focusing on intrusive memories and thoughts may be helpful for young people with depression and PTSD.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/WM/0468
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion