Augmented Depression Therapy for young adults: A mixed methods randomised multiple baseline case series evaluation

James Carson, Kalliopi Demetriou, Gemma Barlow, Kim Wright, Maria Loades, Barnaby D. Dunn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) is an individual psychotherapy for depression, which has been shown to be effective in the general adult population. A randomised multiple baseline case series evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of ADepT in young adults (aged 20–24). Eleven depressed young adults were recruited from a UK university wellbeing service to receive ADepT during the COVID-19 pandemic, with outcomes evaluated relative to pre-specified continuation targets. All participants received a minimum adequate treatment dose (>60% target); 89% judged ADepT as acceptable and satisfactory and would recommend it to others (>60% target); only 9% showed reliable deterioration for depression or wellbeing (meeting <30% target); and there were no trial- or treatment-related serious adverse events. Qualitative interviews revealed most participants were satisfied with and experienced benefits from ADepT. At post-treatment, reliable improvement was shown by 33% of participants for depression and 67% of participants for wellbeing (not meeting target of both >60%), with medium effect size improvements for depression (g = 0.78) and large effect size improvement for wellbeing (g = 0.93; not meeting target of both >0.80). ADepT is feasible, acceptable, and safe in young adults but may require modification to maximise effectiveness. Further research outside of the COVID-19 pandemic is warranted.

Original languageEnglish
Article number104646
JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy
Volume183
Early online date17 Oct 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 17 Oct 2024

Data Availability Statement

The authors do not have permission to share data.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all participants, clinicians, and administrative staff who contributed to this study.

Keywords

  • Anhedonia
  • Augmented depression therapy
  • Depression
  • Positive affect
  • Wellbeing
  • Young adults

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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