Tackling chronic depression (TACK) Phase 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Adapting and testing a technology supported and solution-focused intervention (DIALOG+) for people with chronic depression
IRAS ID
219483
Contact name
Victoria Bird
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This research aims to develop a new approach to help people with depression. Depression is a common mental health problem affecting one in four people at some point in their life. It can result in high levels of distress, increased suicide risk and a loss of interest in daily activities. Most people with depression find treatment helpful. However for some people (about one in five), depression continues for more than two years, despite receiving mental health treatment. This is called “chronic depression”. Approaches for chronic depression are limited, and people often continue to have a poor quality of life.
In previous research we developed an intervention called “DIALOG+” which helped patients with another serious mental illness called schizophrenia. DIALOG+ involved mental health staff using a tablet computer to ask patients about their satisfaction with different areas of life and then working together to find solutions to concerns raised. After using DIALOG+, patients were more satisfied with life and had fewer symptoms. Patients and staff found the approach helpful and it saved the NHS money.
The first phase of the TACK programme seeks to investigate whether DIALOG+ can also help people with chronic depression. We will see if DIALOG+ is acceptable by asking people with depression their opinions on the approach so we can adapt it to their needs. We will also be asking clinicians about their experience and views for adapting the intervention. Following this, we will conduct a study with nine staff members and 45 patients with depression to gain further experience with DIALOG+ and check whether a larger study testing it would be possible.REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
17/WA/0085
Date of REC Opinion
19 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion