MCT for Common Mental Health Problems in Autistic CYP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can Metacognitive Therapy be used to Treat Common Mental Health Problems in Autistic Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Case Series
IRAS ID
320925
Contact name
Adrian Wells
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N.A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 29 days
Research summary
Anxiety and Depression are common in children and young people (CYP), especially in CYP with Autism. Autistic people often say therapy has not been adapted to meet their needs. A recent treatment called metacognitive therapy (MCT) is proving to be helpful, but we do not know how autistic CYP will find MCT, or what changes to the delivery of therapy may be needed to meet their needs. This study hopes to assess whether MCT is feasible and acceptable for treating anxiety and depression in autistic CYP and whether MCT is associated with changes in scores on questionnaires measuring symptoms and quality of life. We will offer five autistic CYP who are struggling with anxiety and/or depression and have been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental health Services up to eight sessions of MCT. MCT will focus on regulating the thinking patterns and behaviours (e.g., worrying, rumination) that keep anxiety and depression going. Participants will complete questionnaires at the start, during, post therapy, and after 6 months. At the end of therapy participants will also be asked to take part in an interview about their experience in receiving MCT. The study will aid in understanding the acceptability of MCT in CYP with autism, and aid in understanding whether any changes to the therapy are needed to meet the needs of autistic people. The results will also aid in informing future large scale trials. Such studies may improve treatment options and service provision for mental health problems in this population.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0115
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion