Digital therapeutic tools for the treatment of depression and anxiety
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Digitising paper-based tools in common use for the treatment of mild to moderate depression and anxiety disorders: an investigation of efficacy and acceptability
IRAS ID
275982
Contact name
Valentin Tablan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ieso Digital Health Ltd
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN87336732
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Mental health disorders constitute an enormous healthcare concern, with one in four people estimated to be affected. Despite their high prevalence, government spending on mental health remains low and access to care remains poor globally. Even in the UK, only 1 in 5 adults with a mental health disorder have access to psychological therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However, delivery of therapy by computers and mobile phones is helping to improve access.
The current study, aims to explore the use of computer/mobile-based therapy tools to enhance the effectiveness of CBT for the treatment of common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The aims of the study are as follows:
1) Convert existing paper-based therapeutic tools commonly used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, such that they can be delivered by a computer as support tools to CBT delivered by a qualified clinician;
2) Evaluate the effectiveness of CBT enhanced by such digital therapeutic tools in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders in a safe environment, under the supervision of a qualified clinician;
3) Assess the acceptability of digital therapeutic tools and the degree to which patients are willing to engage with these during therapy.
This study will recruit patients with mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety disorders to receive CBT, delivered by a therapist over the internet. The course will generally consist of 8 to 10 one hour sessions. Patients will receive either:a) A course of CBT, delivered by a qualified clinician and enhanced by one of six possible digital therapeutic tools, consisting of digitised versions of paper tools already commonly used by therapists in the treatment of the disorder.
b) A course of CBT, delivered by a qualified clinician, without the additional digital tools.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
20/WS/0076
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion