None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The proposed study will aim to address existing gaps in literature by conducting a feasibility study of a group schema therapy intervention for comorbid anxiety and mood disorders in adults. This will involve conducting an empirical investigation of a manualised group schema therapy intervention to understand feasibility and assess effectiveness of the group. The manualised group intervention will be based on the group protocol established by Farrell, Reiss & Shaw (2014) and further adopted by Younan, Farrell, & May (2017). The group treatment will be conducted in an outpatient clinic by involving two co-therapists and ten patients per treatment group. Participants will complete quantitative measures of symptoms at pre, mid and post-test intervals to investigate preliminary feasibility of the program and qualitative analyses will be conducted to analyse patient experiences.
Interventions
Intervention:
Group Schema Therapy is an established evidence-based protocol by Farrell & Shaw (2012) incorporating cognitive, behavioral and experiential techniques that focus on both group processes and tasks, whilst simultaneously being both efficient in use of resources. Consistent with published protocols (Straarup et al., 2022; Farrell & Shaw, 2014; Farrell, Shaw & Webber, 2009), concepts covered in the adapted group schema therapy program will include introduction to schema and modes, cas
Intervention: Group Schema Therapy is an established evidence-based protocol by Farrell & Shaw (2012) incorporating cognitive, behavioral and experiential techniques that focus on both group processes and tasks, whilst simultaneously being both efficient in use of resources. Consistent with published protocols (Straarup et al., 2022; Farrell & Shaw, 2014; Farrell, Shaw & Webber, 2009), concepts covered in the adapted group schema therapy program will include introduction to schema and modes, case formulation, and interventions for coping styles, modes and symptoms (education sessions, imagery work, chair work, cognitive and experiential exercises). Procedure: After initial contact is made, participants will be sent information statement and consent forms, and given the opportunity to discuss and ask questions before providing informed consent. Consent will be provided via the the secure web platform REDcap. Participants will be screened against the eligibility criteria using the Diagnostic Interview for Anxiety, Mood and OCD and Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Screener (DIAMOND; Tolin et al., 2016), over the phone or in person or via videoconferencing software (Zoom). If they do not meet criteria, referral options and recommendations will be provided to them. They will then be invited to come in for a short pre-treatment session (60-90 minutes). Pre-treatment session: Interview to obtain mental health history, treatment goals, setting up group therapy expectations. Following which, participants will participate in the 18 week group schema therapy program and complete routine outcome measures. Adherence will be monitored by attendance. Upon completion of the program, participants will be invited to participate in an interview to elicit feedback about the program. Intervention Delivery: Duration: 120 to 150 minutes for 18 weeks. Group size: Group upto 11 participants. Intervention will be delivered weekly for 18 sessions by licensed clinical psychologists and/or clinical psychology registrars registered by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Mode: Group therapy; Delivered in person at an approved site of The University of Sydney, Australia. Post-treatment interview: Participants would be invited to participate in an interview (60-90 minutes) post participation in the program. Semi-structured interview would be used to understand participant experiences and feasibility of the program. Interviews would be conducted by members of the research team and will be audio-recorded to aid in transcription and data analysis.
Sponsors
The University of Sydney
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Adults 18 years and over, Diagnosis of an anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, Ability to consent, Can be involved in pharmacological therapy to manage symptoms (however, this is stable) but no concurrent psychotherapy.
Exclusion criteria
Individuals below 18 years, Diagnosis of either anxiety OR depressive disorder (only co-occurring diagnosis included), Involved in other concurrent psychological therapy, Presence of psychotic symptom, Severe suicidal ideation
Outcome results
None listed