Can cognitive analytic therapy treat hoarding disorder?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) treat hoarding disorder: An adjudicated Hermeneutic Single Case Efficacy evaluation
IRAS ID
169621
Contact name
Claire Spence
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Background: At present the widely accepted framework for understanding Hoarding Disorder (HD) is the cognitive behavioural model and studies investigating the effectiveness of hoarding specific cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has demonstrated some success. Unfortunately such studies have indicated that a proportion continue to present with clinical levels of hoarding at the end of treatment. Despite the recent growth in available research into the treatment of HD there continues to be an absence of high quality outcome studies into the efficacy of any other treatment approach. Investigating the effectiveness of alternative therapeutic models is therefore needed and would enhance the hoarding treatment evidence base.
Design: An adjudicated hermeneutic single case efficacy design will be employed.
Research question: This study will explore the effectiveness of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) in the treatment of one client with HD. In accordance with the research design the study will aim to answer the following:
A. Did the client change substantially over the course of therapy?
B. Is this change due to the effect of therapy?
C. What factors may be responsible for the change?Methodology: The study will use retrospective data obtained from the treatment of one client who has undergone CAT for HD. Quantitative and qualitative measures completed during treatment will be used to develop a rich case record. This anonymised case record will be presented to two separate research teams who will be required to develop an argument either for or against the effectiveness of therapy. These arguments will then be presented to three independent judges who will each be required to give a final verdict.
This project is being conducted as part of a clinical psychology training programme, which will lead to the award of a doctoral degree in May 2015, at the University of Sheffield.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0199
Date of REC Opinion
24 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion