The neural effects of cognitive behavioural therapy in depression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using brain imaging to understand the effects of interactive online cognitive behavioural therapy in depression (BRAINTERACT)
IRAS ID
260380
Contact name
Sean James Fallon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been found to be an effective treatment for depression but the underlying effects it has on the brain have not been examined.
Participants who are enrolled in the INTERACT RCT of integrated CBT for depression, will have been randomly allocated to either receive a course of integrated CBT (individual CBT, delivered using a combination of face-to-face and internet-delivered sessions), or usual GP care. Participants from both groups will be invited to also take part in this additional, (optional) MRI brain-imaging study, so that we can investigate the effects of the CBT therapy on the brain.
Following a screening process and written informed consent, participants will be asked to perform several tasks whilst in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. These tasks will be done soon after enrolment into the CBT trial, and again approximately 6 months later (once those in the CBT arm have completed their CBT sessions). By comparing the results from the CBT and usual care groups, we will assess whether CBT leads to changes in the 1) neural response to positive and negative facial expressions; 2) positive and negative feedback; 3) Short-term memory; and 4) meta-cognition.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SW/0234
Date of REC Opinion
4 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion