Initial evidence from a pilot study led by the University of Exeter suggests that Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) could be a more efficacious and economically viable alternative to the established Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of depression. ADepT aims not only to alleviate depressive symptoms but also to improve overall well-being, thereby possibly offering superior quality of life outcomes compared to CBT.
The new treatment modality for depression shows preliminary indications of being both more cost-efficient and potentially more effective than the widely recognized standard, CBT.
Emerging data indicates that this novel therapeutic method for depression could surpass CBT, the current benchmark, in both cost-efficiency and overall efficacy.
The pilot study, executed by the University of Exeter and backed by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), posits that ADepT could represent a significant advancement in depression therapy. The results were recently disseminated in the peer-reviewed journal EClinical Medicine.
Existing psychotherapies for depression, such as CBT, often fall short in targeting key aspects like anhedonia (diminished interest or pleasure) and deficits in well-being. ADepT has been specifically designed to address these elements as much as it aims to mitigate depressive symptoms.
Barney Dunn, a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Exeter, who spearheaded the study, stated, “Depression is a prevalent issue, contributing significantly to global disability and carrying considerable socio-economic ramifications. Only approximately 60% of individuals respond to currently accepted best practices like CBT, and roughly half of them relapse within two years. With ADepT, the approach is to help clients reframe their challenges and pursue a life that aligns with their core values, aiming for an overall state of well-being.”
One patient with lived experience in ADepT, Katie, shared, “My previous treatments primarily aimed at symptom eradication. ADepT has altered my perspective, enabling me to strive for well-being while also allowing me to act more in line with my personal values. This approach is helping me forge a more holistic identity apart from my mental illness and has enabled me to appreciate life’s pleasures, even in difficult times.”
This study marks the inaugural randomized controlled pilot trial to evaluate ADepT’s efficacy. It involved 82 adult participants with moderate to severe depression and features of anhedonia. These individuals were mainly enlisted from NHS Talking Therapy service waiting lists in Devon, UK.
The trial, conducted at the University of Exeter’s AccEPT clinic and supported by multiple research institutions, randomly assigned participants to undergo either 20 sessions of ADepT or CBT. Evaluations were made at the onset of the trial, and subsequently after six, 12, and 18 months.
The findings suggest that ADepT is at least as effective as, and potentially superior to, CBT in promoting well-being and mitigating depressive symptoms. The data also indicate that ADepT is a cost-effective option, incurring similar expenses to CBT but possibly leading to better outcomes in terms of quality of life.
If future definitive trials confirm these initial findings, ADepT could offer both clinical and economic advantages in healthcare settings. Furthermore, existing CBT therapists could transition to administering ADepT with minimal additional training required.
Reference: “Initial Clinical and Economic Benefits of Augmented Depression Therapy Versus Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the Treatment of Anhedonic Depression (ADepT): A Single-Centre, Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial” by Barnaby D. Dunn, Emily Widnall, Laura Warbrick, Faith Warner, Nigel Reed, Alice Price, Merle Kock, Clara Courboin, Rosie Stevens, Kim Wright, Nicholas J. Moberly, Nicole Geschwind, Christabel Owens, Anne Spencer, John Campbell, and Willem Kuyken, 13 July 2023, eClinicalMedicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102084
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Augmented Depression Therapy
What is the main finding of the University of Exeter’s pilot study on depression treatment?
The pilot study led by the University of Exeter suggests that Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) could potentially be a more effective and cost-efficient alternative to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depression.
What differentiates Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
ADepT aims to not only alleviate the symptoms of depression but also improve the individual’s overall well-being. This dual focus represents a departure from CBT, which primarily targets depressive symptoms.
What institutions supported the study?
The study was executed by the University of Exeter and received backing from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR). It was also supported by Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx), and the University of Exeter Psychology Department.
How many participants were involved in the pilot trial?
The pilot trial involved 82 adults who exhibited moderate to severe depression and features of anhedonia. The participants were mainly recruited from NHS Talking Therapy service waiting lists in Devon, UK.
What is the significance of well-being in ADepT’s approach?
ADepT has been developed to pay equal attention to enhancing well-being as it does to reducing depressive symptoms. This focus aims to offer a more holistic treatment approach that could potentially result in better quality of life for the patients.
What is the next step for ADepT following these initial findings?
If the initial findings are confirmed in future definitive trials, ADepT could offer both clinical and economic advantages in healthcare settings. Additionally, current CBT therapists could adapt to administering ADepT with minimal additional training.
Was the study published in a peer-reviewed journal?
Yes, the findings of the study were published in the peer-reviewed journal EClinical Medicine. The DOI for the article is 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102084.
How were the trial participants assessed?
Participants were assessed at the beginning of the pilot trial and then followed up after six, 12, and 18 months. This allowed the researchers to evaluate both the short-term and longer-term effects of the treatment.
What do the study findings suggest about the cost-effectiveness of ADepT?
The study suggests that ADepT may not only be more effective but also more cost-efficient than CBT. This is significant as it points to a potentially better return on investment in healthcare settings.
More about Augmented Depression Therapy
- University of Exeter’s Official Press Release on ADepT Study
- EClinical Medicine Journal Article
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Support Information
- Information on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Devon Partnership NHS Trust
- Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx)
- Overview of Depression Treatments
- NHS Talking Therapy Services
- Quality of Life in Mental Health Treatment
7 comments
If this is truly cost-effective, then it could be a game changer for national healthcare budgets. Therapy is expensive and any savings are welcome.
good to know that current CBT therapists can switch to administering ADepT without much hassle. That could speed up its adoption considerably. Just hope it really delivers on its promises.
Wow, this is huge. If ADepT can actually do what it claims, we might be on the brink of a breakthrough in mental health care. Just imagine, more effective AND cheaper? thats the dream.
I’m curious about the long-term effects of ADepT. The study talks about initial results, but what happens 5, 10 years down the line? We need that data too.
Building well-being alongside treating depression? Now that’s a holistic approach! However, my question is, how exactly do they measure ‘well-being’? It’s such a subjective term.
I’ll hold off on my enthusiasm until the results are replicated in future studies. Many ‘promising’ therapies have flopped in the past.
As someone who’s tried CBT without much success, this is great news! Definitely keeping an eye on how this develops. hope it doesn’t turn out to be just hype.