A community-based group-guided self-help intervention for low mood and stress: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

McClay, C.A., Morrison, J. , McConnachie, A. and Williams, C. (2013) A community-based group-guided self-help intervention for low mood and stress: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 14(1), p. 392. (doi: 10.1186/1745-6215-14-392)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-14-392

Abstract

<br>Background: Depression is a mental health condition which affects millions of people each year, with worldwide rates increasing. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the treatment of depression. However, waiting lists can cause delays for face-to-face therapy. Also a proportion of people decline to present for help through the health service – the so-called treatment gap. Self-referral to CBT using community-based group interventions delivered by a voluntary sector organization may serve to resolve this problem. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine the efficacy of such a guided CBT self-help course, the ‘Living Life to the Full’ (LLTTF) classes delivered by the charity Action on Depression (AOD). The primary outcome is level of depression at 6 months assessed using the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) depression scale. Secondary measures include levels of anxiety and social functioning.</br> <br>Methods/design: Participants with symptoms of low mood will be recruited from the community through newspaper adverts and also via the AOD website. Participants will receive either immediate or delayed access to guided CBT self-help classes - the eight session LLTTF course. The primary endpoint will be at 6 months at which point the delayed group will be offered the intervention. Levels of depression, anxiety and social functioning will be assessed and an economic analysis will be carried out.</br> <br>Discussion: This RCT will test whether the LLTTF intervention is effective and/or cost-effective. If the LLTTF community-based classes are found to be cost effective, they may be helpful as both an intervention for those already seeking care in the health service, as well as those seeking help outside that setting, widening access to psychological therapy.</br>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Morrison, Professor Jill and Williams, Professor Christopher and McConnachie, Professor Alex
Authors: McClay, C.A., Morrison, J., McConnachie, A., and Williams, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Trials
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1745-6215
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 The Authors
First Published:First published in Trials 14(1):392
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
586501A randomised controlled trial of a community based group guided self-help intervention for low mood and stress.Christopher WilliamsScottish Executive Health Department (SEHHD-CSO)CZH/4/738IHW - MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING