CompletedInterventional

Evaluating CBT Bytesize: a mixed-methods feasibility trial of a blended digital CBT intervention for adolescent anxiety and low mood

This study looked at a new digital programme called CBT Bytesize, designed to help young people aged 11-17 with anxiety and low mood. It combines online lessons with support from a therapist. The main goal was to see if CBT Bytesize is easy for young people to use and if it helps reduce their anxiety. Researchers also wanted to know what young people and therapists thought about the programme. It aimed to make therapy more accessible, especially for those referred to mental health services for anxiety. This research helps understand if blending digital tools with human support is a good way to help young people with their mental well-being.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Enrolment target

Start

21 Dec 2021

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2023

Anxiety disorders in children and young people

What is this study about?

Anxiety is a common feeling, but for some young people, it can be really tough and affect their everyday lives – like school, family time, and friendships. This study looked at a new approach called 'CBT Bytesize'. Think of it as a helpful online tool combined with support from a therapist.

CBT Bytesize was created to make getting help for anxiety a bit easier and more flexible. It’s a digital programme, meaning you do parts of it online, but you also get to talk to a therapist. The main reason for this study was to find out if CBT Bytesize works well and if young people find it easy to use. Researchers also wanted to see if it actually helped young people feel less anxious and generally better.

This study is important because it explores new ways to support young people's mental health. By combining online activities with personal therapist support, it aims to offer a different way to access therapy. Understanding if this 'blended' approach is effective and well-received can help improve how mental health services are offered to young people in the future.

Key takeaways

CBT Bytesize offers a new way to get help for anxiety using both online tools and a therapist.
The study focused on young people aged 11-17 with anxiety and low mood.
It aimed to find out if the programme was easy to use and if it helped reduce anxiety.
Participation involved using the online modules and having therapist sessions.
The study explored how digital and human support can work together for mental health.

Who may be eligible?

This study was open to young people generally between 11 and 17 years old who were referred to a mental health service (like Healios) in the UK because they were struggling with anxiety or low mood.

To take part, you needed to have a smartphone and internet access, and be able to speak and understand English well enough to use the programme. The main problem you were seeking help for needed to be anxiety. If you had other difficulties alongside anxiety, you could still be included as long as anxiety was the main issue.

However, you couldn't join if you had serious sight or hearing problems, had attempted suicide recently (within the last three months), were at high risk of harming yourself, or had ongoing child protection or legal issues. Also, if you weren't willing to try the programme, or your parents/guardians didn't agree, then you couldn't take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 11 and 17 years old?
Do you mostly struggle with anxiety or low mood?
Do you have a smartphone and internet access?
Can you speak and understand English well?
Have you recently attempted suicide (within the last 3 months)? (If yes, you likely can't join.)
Are there any serious safety concerns for you right now? (If yes, you likely can't join.)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you took part in this study, you would have used the CBT Bytesize programme. This involved completing short learning modules online and having sessions with a therapist. These therapist sessions could be done remotely (from home, for example) or in person. The study compared your progress with other young people who had received a standard type of online therapy in the past. Researchers looked at how your anxiety and mood changed after using CBT Bytesize, how often you used the programme, and what you thought about it. Your therapist's experiences with the programme were also gathered through discussions.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this programme might help you learn new ways to manage your anxiety and could offer a more adaptable way to receive therapy. There are very few risks involved; however, some young people might find it a bit challenging to use online content or to talk about difficult feelings. You are always free to stop participating in the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and this will not affect any care you receive.

Locations (1)

Manchester Metropolitan University
Approximate
Manchester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is CBT Bytesize?

It's a new digital mental health programme that mixes online self-help tools with support from a therapist, designed to help young people with anxiety and low mood.

Who was this study for?

It was for young people aged 11 to 17 in the UK who were struggling with anxiety and referred to mental health services.

What did participants do in the study?

They used the CBT Bytesize programme, which included online lessons and therapist support, and their progress was checked.

What were the main goals of the study?

To see if CBT Bytesize is easy to use for young people and if it helps reduce their anxiety.

Who paid for this research?

Manchester Metropolitan University and Healios Ltd jointly funded the study.

How to find out more

Daniela Di Basilio

d.dibasilio@lancaster.ac.uk +44 (0)7312255301 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.