Time intensive v weekly CBT for antenatal anxiety disorders (ADEPT) v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising psychological treatment for Anxiety DisordErs in Pregnancy: a feasibility study for a Trial of time-intensive CBT versus weekly CBT (ADEPT)
IRAS ID
232385
Contact name
Fiona Challacombe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN81203286
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
The aim of this research is to investigate if a shorter format of a well-established psychological therapy for anxiety disorders can be used with pregnant women. It will establish if pregnant women find this format acceptable and useful, and if this way of delivering the treatment can later be tested in a large trial.
Anxiety disorders include a range of problems including panic disorder, post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder. They affect approximately 11% of pregnant women, impact on women’s day to day functioning and often last into the postnatal period if untreated. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is known to be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Many women prefer psychological treatments to medication during pregnancy and so this is often a good fit for women with these disorders. CBT is usually delivered over a period of three months. Recently, good results have been demonstrated with intensive CBT (IN-CBT) delivered in fewer but longer sessions over one to two weeks for OCD, PTSD, panic disorder and social anxiety. However this format has not yet been tested with pregnant women.
This research is a small trial (known as a feasibility study). Pregnant women suitable for treatment in primary care psychological therapy services (IAPT) will be identified. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive either IN-CBT or standard CBT for their anxiety disorder. This will establish if IN-CBT is acceptable for pregnant women, the best way to reach potential participants and if enough women will take part in a trial and will complete postnatal outcome measures. Detailed interviews with women undertaking the treatments will investigate views of both versions of CBT and if the study assessments are acceptable and useful.REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0622
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion