Not yet recruitingInterventional

Behavioural activation on haemodialysis

This study explores a new way to help people with kidney failure on dialysis who are experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety. Many people on dialysis face tough physical and mental challenges, and there aren't many mental health support options available during their treatment. This research focuses on 'behavioural activation', a gentle therapy that helps people make small, positive changes in their daily life to lift their mood. The study will test if this therapy can be successfully given during dialysis sessions by trained kidney healthcare staff. Its goal is to see if this approach can improve mental well-being for dialysis patients without adding extra appointments or burdens to their already demanding treatment schedule.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

29 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Treatment of depression among people with kidney failure receiving in-centre haemodailysis

What is this study about?

When someone has kidney failure and needs regular dialysis, it can be a really tough experience, both physically and emotionally. Many people find themselves feeling low, anxious, or depressed because of the strict routines, dietary changes, and often feeling unwell. There aren't many easy ways to get mental health support while going through dialysis, and adding more appointments or medicines can feel overwhelming.

This study is looking into a simple type of support called 'behavioural activation'. This isn't about deep therapy; it's more about helping people find small, enjoyable activities to bring back into their lives, which can gradually improve their mood. The idea behind this study is to see if we can offer this kind of support directly during their regular dialysis sessions, using trained staff who are already part of their kidney care team. This way, it doesn't create extra trips to the hospital or new burdens for patients.

The main goal is to find out if this approach is practical and helpful for people with kidney failure who are on dialysis and struggling with their mood. If it works well, it could open up new ways to offer mental health support as part of their routine care, making a real difference to their overall well-being. We want to understand what patients, their families, and staff think about it too, so we can make future support even better.

Key takeaways

Exploring support for depression and anxiety in dialysis patients.
Uses 'behavioural activation', a gentle mood-boosting therapy.
Sessions take place during your regular dialysis – no extra trips.
Aims to improve mental well-being for those with kidney failure.
Your experience could help others in the future.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are 18 years or older and currently receive kidney dialysis at one of the participating hospitals. You also need to have been on dialysis for at least three months and be experiencing feelings of low mood or depression.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you've recently started new antidepressant medicines or talking therapy in the last three months, or if you're having dialysis for a sudden kidney problem rather than long-term kidney failure. Also, if you're planning to have a kidney transplant soon or move to a different dialysis unit during the study period, you might not be eligible. You also need to be able to understand and communicate in English to 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 18 years or older?
Do you currently receive regular kidney dialysis?
Have you been on dialysis for more than 3 months?
Are you experiencing feelings of low mood or depression?
Are you able to speak and understand English?
Have you avoided starting new antidepressants or talking therapy in the last 3 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your first step will be to answer some questions about your mood, like on a questionnaire, and give your consent. The study participants at each hospital will be put into groups based on their dialysis schedule. Each group will then be randomly chosen to either receive the behavioural activation sessions or continue with their usual care. This helps us compare the two groups fairly.

If you're in the behavioural activation group, you'll have about 6 to 8 sessions during your normal dialysis appointments. These sessions will be led by a trained member of the kidney healthcare team. You won't need to make any extra trips to the hospital for the study. Your mood and anxiety levels will be checked before you start and again three months later. Some participants, their carers, and healthcare workers might also be invited for an interview to share their thoughts on the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help improve future support for people with kidney failure who are struggling with depression. While there's no guarantee that it will directly improve your personal mood, you might learn more about managing your mood, even if you're in the usual care group. A key benefit is that the study sessions and information gathering will be done during your regular dialysis appointments, so you won't need to attend extra visits. The main 'cost' to you is spending some time during your dialysis sessions on study activities. You are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your routine care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Hull, England
Kings College Hospital Renal Dialysis Unit
City only
London, England

Common questions

What is behavioural activation?

It's a simple type of therapy that helps you gradually bring more positive and enjoyable activities back into your daily life to improve your mood.

Will I have to take new medicines?

No, this study does not involve new medicines. It focuses on talking and activity-based support.

Do I need to go for extra hospital visits?

No, all study activities, including the support sessions, will happen during your regular kidney dialysis appointments.

Who will run the support sessions?

Trained members of your kidney healthcare team will deliver the behavioural activation sessions.

What happens if I don't feel better?

Your routine care will continue, and you can discuss any concerns with your regular healthcare team. This study is exploring a new approach, and your feedback is valuable regardless of the outcome.

How to find out more

Claire Carswell

claire.carswell@york.ac.uk +44 01904321048 Official trial record

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