CompletedInterventional

The feasibility of cognitive behavioural therapy for depression and anxiety adapted for psychosis risk in primary care

This study explores a new approach to help people experiencing mild depression or anxiety who also have unusual sensations, such as seeing or hearing things that others don't, or believing things that aren't true. Often, these individuals don't mention these 'unusual experiences' when seeking help, which can delay getting the right support. This research tests whether adapting standard talking therapies, already offered by the NHS, can effectively address both the depression/anxiety and these complex experiences. The aim is to see if this adapted therapy is acceptable to patients and potentially helpful, potentially preventing these experiences from becoming more distressing or developing into psychosis. It also looks at how well we can identify these individuals within existing NHS services.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Southampton

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2021

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2022

Psychosis

What is this study about?

Imagine you're feeling down or very worried, and on top of that, you might sometimes see or hear things others don't, or have thoughts that feel very real but are unusual. For some, these 'unusual experiences' are just brief or not too troubling. But for others, they can become very upsetting and, in some cases, might develop into a more serious condition called psychosis. Often, people first seek help for their anxiety or depression but don't mention these other experiences. This can mean they don't get the most appropriate help as quickly as they could.

This study is looking at whether we can change the way NHS talking therapies (like those offered for anxiety and depression by 'Improving Access to Psychological Therapies', or IAPT) work, so they can better help people who are having these unusual experiences. Currently, these services are mainly for anxiety and depression and aren't set up to specifically address these other sensations. The research wants to find out if trained therapists can offer an adapted talking therapy that addresses both a person's depression or anxiety and their unusual experiences. We also want to see if it's possible to easily identify people with these experiences within the NHS services.

Ultimately, the goal is to see if this adapted approach is something people find helpful and if it makes a positive difference. If this small study shows good promise, it could lead to larger studies and potentially new ways for the NHS to help people much earlier, preventing more serious problems down the line and ensuring people get the right care without long waits or being passed between different services.

Key takeaways

Targets adults with mild to moderate anxiety/depression and unusual experiences.
Tests an adapted talking therapy within NHS services.
Aims to help people earlier and prevent problems from worsening.
Participation involves adapted CBT and completing questionnaires.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.
This is a 'feasibility' study to see if the approach is promising.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. You must already be seeking help for mild to moderate anxiety or depression through NHS talking therapy services (IAPT). The study also looks for people who have certain early signs that might suggest a higher chance of developing psychosis – these are often those 'unusual experiences' mentioned earlier, like hearing voices or having strong, unusual beliefs.

Several things would mean you couldn't join. For example, if your mental health problems are very severe, or if you're already receiving intensive mental health care that deals with serious and long-lasting mental health issues. Also, if there are concerns about your safety or the safety of others, or if you're already taking part in another research study that involves a type of treatment, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you currently seeking help for mild to moderate anxiety or depression through NHS talking therapy services (IAPT)?
Are you experiencing some unusual sensations, like hearing or seeing things others don't, or unusual beliefs?
Are you able to participate in regular therapy sessions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll receive standard talking therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT) for your depression or anxiety, but it will be specially adapted to also consider any unusual experiences you're having. This therapy will be delivered by qualified NHS therapists who have received extra training. You will be asked to complete some questionnaires and assessments before, during, and after the therapy sessions. This helps the researchers understand how helpful the adapted therapy is and how you're feeling. The study will run for approximately six months after you start.

Potential risks and benefits

A benefit of joining is that you'll receive a well-regarded talking therapy for your depression or anxiety, which will also be specifically tailored to help you understand and cope with any unusual experiences. Many people find talking about these experiences with a trained professional very supportive. However, reflecting deeply on these unusual sensations might sometimes feel uncomfortable initially. Your therapists are qualified NHS clinicians, and they will support you throughout. Remember, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time without it affecting your usual NHS care.

Locations (3)

Solent NHS Trust
City only
Southampton, United Kingdom
Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Poole, United Kingdom
St Marys Hospital
Approximate
Newport, United Kingdom

Common questions

What are 'unusual experiences'?

These can be things like seeing or hearing things others don't, or having very strong, unusual beliefs that aren't shared by others. They are sometimes called 'psychosis risk symptoms'.

What is CBT?

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It's a type of talking therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected, and how to change unhelpful patterns.

What are IAPT services?

IAPT stands for 'Improving Access to Psychological Therapies'. These are NHS services that offer talking therapies for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

Will this study cure my problems?

This is a 'feasibility' study, meaning it's testing if the adapted therapy can work well and be helpful. It's not designed to be a cure, but to see if this approach could lead to better treatments in the future.

Who is funding this research?

The study is being funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, which is a UK organisation that supports research into social and economic challenges.

How to find out more

Katherine Newman-Taylor

knt@soton.ac.uk +44 (0)2382 126517 Official trial record

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