Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of Augmented Depression Therapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving depression treatment outcomes by better repairing positivity deficits: A Feasibility pilot randomised controlled trial evaluation of an Augmented Depression Therapy targeting wellbeing (ADepT)
IRAS ID
216871
Contact name
Barnaby Dunn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Depression is a major public health problem and better talking therapies are needed. Current depression talking therapies are effective at reducing negativity (thinking/feeling sad) but fail to repair positivity (thinking/feeling happy). Given that reduced positivity predicts a severe depression course, treatment outcomes may be improved if talking therapies more successfully build positivity. An augmented form of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) targeting positivity/wellbeing has been developed by the research team (ADepT), following a co-design process with service users and clinicians. We now aim to run a feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing the clinical effectiveness of ADepT to cognitive behavioural therapy for depression (current best practice in the NHS). Further, to test proof-of-concept, surrogate analyses will examine if ADepT is more effective than CBT in building positive mood. We plan to include up to 40 eligible clients with current depression in each treatment arm (80 participants in total) and assess patient clinical and health economic outcomes at baseline (pre-treatment), 6, 12 and 18 month follow-up. In addition, measures of how the treatment works (mechanism of action) will be taken at intake, session 4 and 8 of treatment and 6 months after treatment start date. Both arms of the treatment will be carried out in the Mood Disorders Centre AccEPT Clinic- a specialist psychological therapies services commissioned by New Devon CCG- and will be administered and supervised by experienced psychological therapists. Outcomes will be assessed using a mixture of self-report questionnaires, structured clinical interviews and qualitative interviews with service-users and therapists. If feasibility aims are met and ADepT is shown to be superior to CBT at building positive mood, a definitive trial application will be submitted.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0009
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion