Optimising psychological treatment for Anxiety DisordErs in Pregnancy (ADEPT): study protocol for a feasibility trial of time-intensive CBT versus weekly CBT

Journal article

BACKGROUND: Moderate to severe anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia and panic disorder are common, and affect approximately 11-16% of women in pregnancy. Psychological treatments for anxiety disorders, primarily cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), have a substantial evidence base and recently time-intensive versions have been found as effective as weekly treatments. However, this has not been trialled in women who are pregnant, where a shorter intervention may be desirable. METHODS: The ADEPT study is a feasibility randomised controlled trial with two parallel intervention groups. Time-intensive one-to-one CBT and standard weekly one-to-one CBT delivered during pregnancy will be compared. Feasibility outcomes including participation and follow-up rates will be assessed, alongside the acceptability of the interventions using qualitative methods. DISCUSSION: The study will provide preliminary data to inform the design of a full-scale randomised controlled trial of a time-intensive intervention for anxiety during pregnancy. This will include information on the acceptability of time-intensive interventions for pregnant women with anxiety disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN81203286 prospectively registered 27/6/2019.

Authors: Challacombe, FL; Potts, L; Carter, B; Lawrence, V; Husbands, A

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• Journal: Pilot and Feasibility Studies
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 101-101
• Article number: 101
• Publication date: 2021-04-30
• DOI: 10.1186/s40814-021-00838-8
• EISSN: 2055-5784
• ISSN: 2055-5784
• Language: English
• Keywords: Psychological intervention; Intervention (counseling); Cognitive behavioral therapy; Panic disorder; Randomized controlled trial; Psychology; Anxiety disorder; Pregnancy; Psychiatry; Medicine; Anxiety; Clinical psychology