Thought suppression and anxiety in treatment-refractory depression: V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation into the role of thought suppression and anxiety in treatment-refractory depression.
IRAS ID
158814
Contact name
Jenny Barnes
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 24 days
Research summary
A common method for controlling distressing thoughts is to try to suppress them, a strategy known as thought suppression. Those who use this strategy more have been found to be more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Many previous studies have found this correlation in people in the general population (usually undergraduate students) rather than looking at people diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
Around half of those suffering from depression don’t get better after taking antidepressants. These people, who may have chronic or recurring episodes of depression, have been found to use thought suppression more. They also have higher rates of anxiety disorders alongside their depression. Despite this, there remains a limited amount of research into this group of people.
This study will build on previous research, using data from a group of people who have not found antidepressants helpful and who suffer from chronic or recurrent depression. The data will be anonymous data already gathered by another study.
The aims of this study are to assess whether previous findings of associations between: 1) depression and thought suppression; 2) depression and anxiety disorders; and 3) anxiety disorders and thought suppression, are replicated in a group of people with treatment-resistant depression. The researcher also plans to examine whether these correlations are stronger in this group than has been found with other groups of people. The research will also look at the interactions between these three factors.
Greater understanding of this group may help to identify this form of depression earlier, and support the development of tailored treatments for this group of people.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1363
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion