The experiences of therapists providing psychological treatment for adults with depression and intellectual disabilities as part of a randomised controlled trial

Smith, I. C. et al. (2021) The experiences of therapists providing psychological treatment for adults with depression and intellectual disabilities as part of a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34(6), pp. 1442-1451. (doi: 10.1111/jar.12886) (PMID:33827145)

Abstract

Background: Health professionals were trained to deliver adapted psychological interventions for depression to people with learning disabilities and depression alongside a supporter. Exploring the delivery of psychological interventions can help increase access to therapy. Method: Twenty-seven participants took part in six focus groups, and the data were subject to a Framework Analysis. Results: The structure and focus of the manualised therapies, and the use of specific techniques were perceived as key to service-user engagement. Supporters' involvement was valued by therapists if they had a good relationship and regular contact with the individual they supported. Regular clinical supervision was regarded as vital in understanding their role, assessing progress and delivering the interventions. Conclusions: The findings highlight that health professionals can embrace a focussed therapeutic role and increase access to psychological therapies for people with intellectual disabilities.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jones, Professor Robert and Williams, Professor Christopher and Jahoda, Professor Andrew and Cooper, Professor Sally-Ann and Hatton, Professor Christopher and Scott, Miss Katie and Hastings, Professor Richard and Appleton, Ms Kim and Melville, Professor Craig and Dagnan, Professor Dave
• Authors: Smith, I. C., Huws, J. C., Appleton, K., Cooper, S.-A., Dagnan, D., Hastings, R. P., Hatton, C., Jones, R. S.P., Melville, C., Scott, K., Williams, C., and Jahoda, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1360-2322
• ISSN (Online): 1468-3148
• Published Online: 07 April 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 34(6): 1442-1451
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence