None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural therapy in reducing depression in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. We hypothesise that there will be a significant reduction in mean depression scores post-intervention relative to baseline depression, and relative to the wait-list control.
Interventions
The intervention is a cognitive behavioural therapy administered in small groups (4-5 participants at a time). It consists of 10 weekly sessions with an 11th booster session 4 weeks after the 10th session. Each session will go for about an hour. The interventions are aimed at helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders identify negative emotional states and symptoms of depression and learn strategies to manage and potentially reduce their levels of depressive symptoms. During each session
The intervention is a cognitive behavioural therapy administered in small groups (4-5 participants at a time). It consists of 10 weekly sessions with an 11th booster session 4 weeks after the 10th session. Each session will go for about an hour. The interventions are aimed at helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders identify negative emotional states and symptoms of depression and learn strategies to manage and potentially reduce their levels of depressive symptoms. During each session, participants will engage in a variety of tasks, including some that promote the identification of emotions, challenging negative thinking, and learning effective emotion regulation strategies.
Sponsors
University of Queensland
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
15 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Diagnosis of a high functioning autism spectrum disorder (e.g., Asperger's Syndrome) as verified by the Asperger syndrome (and high-functioning autism) diagnostic interview. Reporting moderate symptoms of depression or greater on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale.
Exclusion criteria
Presence of cognitive disability as indicated by the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence.
Outcome results
None listed