A feasibility and pilot trial of computerised cognitive behaviour therapy for depression in adolescents: lessons learned from planning and conducting a randomised controlled trial
| Published date | 12 September 2016 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-11-2015-0032 |
| Date | 12 September 2016 |
| Pages | 193-199 |
| Author | Lucy Tindall,Danielle Varley,Barry Wright |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health |
A feasibility and pilot trial of computerised
cognitive behaviour therapy for
depression in adolescents: lessons
learned from planning and conducting
a randomised controlled trial
Lucy Tindall, Danielle Varley and Barry Wright
Lucy Tindall is a Research
Trial Coordinator, Danielle
Varley is a Research Fellow
and Professor Barry Wright
is a Consultant Child and
Adolescent Psychiatrist, all at
Limetrees Child, Adolescent
and Family Unit, York, UK.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to focus upon the challenges faced by a research team when
conducting a computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (CCBT) trial for adolescents with low mood/
depression and how solutions were sought to eliminate these difficulties in future child and adolescent mental
health clinical research.
Design/methodology/approach –The authors have presented a number of problems faced by the
research team when conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) concerning adolescents with low
mood/depression.
Findings –From examining the problems faced by the research team, the authors have provided key pieces
of advice for prospective adolescent mental health RCTs. This advice includes developing clear project plans,
setting strategies to encourage and maintain study information in the community and support recruitment,
and keeping your organisation appraised of study needs and network and involve governance departments,
IT and finance departments in these discussions early.
Originality/value –RCTs, particularly those focusing on child and adolescent mental health, can
face a number of difficult ies throughout its stage s of completion (from pro tocol development to
follow-up analysis). Studies involving th e use of technologies add a layer of complex ity to this. This review
will be of value to researchers aiming to run a high-quality RCT concerning child and adolescent
mental health.
Keywords CBT, Technology, Mental health, Child and adolescent, Randomised controlled trials
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
In 2011 a randomised controlled trial (RCT) commenced to test the feasibility of using a
computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (CCBT) programme for adolescent low mood/
depression (Wright et al., 2014). This was against a backdrop of high rates of adolescent
depression (Thapar et al., 2012), equipoise between cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and
antidepressants (Cox et al., 2014), NICE guidelines recommending CBT as one of the main
treatment options for this group (NICE, 2015), and access to child and adolescent mental health
service (CAMHS) resources being especially low (Belfer, 2008).
Received 17 November 2015
Revised 8 April 2016
Accepted 16 May 2016
This paper presents independent
research funded by the National
Institute for Health Research
(NIHR) under its Research for
Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme
(Grant No. PB-PG-0609-19295).
The views expressed are those of
the author(s) and not necessarily
those of the NHS, the NIHR or the
Department of Health.
DOI 10.1108/MHRJ-11-2015-0032 VOL. 21 NO. 3 2016, pp. 193-199, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1361-9322
j
MENTALHEALTH REVIEW JOURNAL
j
PAG E 19 3
To continue reading
Request your trial