Pilot of DIT-G for treatment of depression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot study of acceptability and feasibility of Group Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy as treatment for depression and a preliminary examination of its effectiveness in NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT)
IRAS ID
345404
Contact name
Agnes Bassaly
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
SWLSTG NHS MH Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy is a manualised individual psychological therapy model approved for treatment of depression in the national NHS Talking Therapies program. There have been some efforts to develop and evaluate a group application of this model. All previous studies piloted a version of DIT adapted for a group format with some success and reported positive impact on recovery and acceptability to patients. Based on these studies we are hoping to to replicate the initial findings and establish further evidence of positive clinical outcomes as well as acceptability to patients.
This study will evaluate outcomes of 4 DIT groups (which will be delivered either online or in face-to-face format), each with up to 10 participants. Data collected in this study will be a mixture of questionnaire scores and interview transcripts which will be used to further our understanding of effectiveness and acceptability of DIT-G in treatment of depression.
This study will recruit participants from NHS talking therapies services delivered by South West London and St. George’s NHS Mental Health trust. Eligible participants will be adult existing patients of NHS Talking Therapies service and present with symptoms of depression and related interpersonal difficulties.
Each participant will be offered 2 initial individual therapy sessions with one of the group facilitators to work on their understanding of factors contributing to their depression. This will be followed by 14 (1.5hr long) weekly group sessions facilitated by 2 DIT therapists and an individual review following the completion of the program.
Participants will complete questionnaires which measure depression and anxiety symptoms as well as interpersonal difficulties throughout treatment. In-depth interviews will be conducted with a subsection of participants to further understand acceptability and effectiveness of DIT-G.
As DIG-G is a novel form of therapy, group sessions will be evaluated for fidelity with the DIT model.REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
25/SS/0024
Date of REC Opinion
17 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion