CITADAL: Computerised Treatment for Adolescent Depression and Low Mood
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CITADAL: Computerised Intervention/Treatment for Adolescent Depression and Low Mood: Feasibility Phase 2
IRAS ID
145000
Contact name
Barry Wright
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
The onset age of depression is decreasing, with more adolescents being diagnosed with the condition (approximately 2%) each year. The use of antidepressant medication is not recommended as the first treatment method for this age range due to concerns about their side effects and addictive potentials. However Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), a type of talking therapy, has been demonstrated to be effective.
It has been suggested that adolescents may be treated more effectively using computer administered CBT (cCBT), a finding supported by the preliminary findings of our RfPB funded feasibility trial examining the effectiveness of a cCBT programme; ‘Stressbusters’ for adolescents with low mood/ depression, in comparison to self-help websites.
Using the findings of our initial feasibility study as a basis, we will conduct a second phase of feasibility research to further establish the effectiveness of cCBT for adolescents with low mood/ depression, whilst also exploring whether the inclusion of text message support delivered between sessions and around follow up periods increase session attendance and the completion of follow up measures.
48 adolescents of both genders, aged between 12 and 18 and experiencing low mood (defined by a score of 20 or more on the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) will be recruited. Eligible and consenting participants will complete a number of questionnaires to further assess their mood before being randomly allocated to either a cCBT package (Stressbusters) or spending the equivalent time looking at selected websites providing information on low mood and options for self help.
Text messages will be sent to all participants prior to their trial sessions regardless of which group they are allocated to. These texts will act as reminders about the sessions and provide encouragement for them to attend.
Participants will be asked to complete further mood questionnaires four and twelve months after completing the trial.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/0045
Date of REC Opinion
1 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion