Culturally Adapted Treatment for Depression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating a Culturally Adapted Treatment for Depression in Bradford
IRAS ID
295105
Contact name
Ghazala Mir
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN54894017
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Culturally appropriate treatments for depression are promoted by policy bodies internationally (NICE 2011; APA 2010; WHO 2013) and evidence suggests that population specific treatments can improve outcomes for minority ethnic patients (van Loon et al 2013). Professionals may receive little practical support to provide such treatments, however, and there is very little research evidence about how to meet the needs of specific populations.
Bradford Clinical Commissioning Group has commissioned mental health service providers in Bradford to deliver a manualised culturally adapted therapy for depression (BA-M), for which there is existing evidence of feasibility in UK primary care settings (Mir et al 2013; 2015). Behavioural Activation, on which the adapted therapy is based, can be effectively delivered by non-specialist mental health staff following training (Ekers et al 2011) and the CCG is keen to increase such capacity within community mental health organisations (VSOs). BA-M is therefore being delivered by primary care mental health (IAPT) staff within Bradford District Care Trust and by trained staff in community mental health organisations (VSOs).
This research aims to evaluate the impact of the adapted therapy on mental health service users in Bradford. We will explore changes in the level of depression amongst those who receive BA-M and compare this with the level of depression amongst service users who receive usual treatment for depression in both IAPT and VSO settings. We will also explore the experience of service users, therapists, clinical supervisors and managers in relation to receiving or delivering the therapy.
The adapted therapy has been designed to support faith-sensitive depression treatment for people from Muslim backgrounds. The research study will also explore whether a similar approach would be appropriate for other religious communities in Bradford and what further adaptations might be needed to make BA as relevant as possible to diverse faith groups.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/YH/0068
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion