Trial of Psychological Workshops for Adolescents in Clinics V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility randomised controlled trial of a one-day CBT workshop intervention (“DISCOVER”) for 15-18 year olds with anxiety and/or depression in clinic settings
IRAS ID
192806
Contact name
Christina Loucas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 7 days
Research summary
In 2009 the Department of Health advocated an 18-week referral to treatment standard in order to improve access to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Despite the standard being proposed in 2009, a recent government inquiry has indicated that there is considerable geographical variation across England in CAMHS waiting times, with some services reporting up to two years from referral to appropriate treatment. Such situations can result in the exacerbation of young people’s difficulties, leading to detrimental impacts on their social, emotional and educational well-being. This emphasises the need for initiatives to reduce CAMHS waiting times or to be able to offer young people some form of intervention whilst awaiting formal treatment. Here, is where DISCOVER workshops may be a fruitful way forward. \n\nSclare and colleagues have developed an open-access intervention (DISCOVER) for 16-18 year olds experiencing emotional problems, in the form of one-day cognitive behavioural therapy-based workshops, delivered in schools. The model has been tested in an uncontrolled study and in a pilot randomised-controlled-trial, and has shown to be effective in reducing low mood and anxiety, as well as improving self-esteem and resilience, with high student satisfaction also being reported. \n\nIn local CAMHS across SLaM NHS Foundation Trust there is at least a 6-month wait from referral to the first treatment appointment. This study seeks to explore whether the DISCOVER model can be implemented in clinics, so as to be able to provide young people with some form of help, whilst they are awaiting more individualised treatment. Fifteen-eighteen year olds currently awaiting treatment for anxiety and/or depression will be recruited from local CAMHS waiting lists, and randomised to receive either a one-day DISCOVER workshop, delivered in clinic, or to continue usual care. The study will assess the feasibility, acceptability and range of outcomes of DISCOVER in clinic settings. \n
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0231
Date of REC Opinion
4 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion