Behavioural Activation for Depression | Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory

BeatIt2: Behavioural Activation for Depression

Mental Health and Psychological Therapies | Last Updated: 08 Apr 26

Background

Almost no research has been published reporting on evaluations of the effectiveness of psychological interventions for people with severe to profound intellectual disabilities and depression. To address this, we developed an adapted intervention and conducted some initial feasibility testing of this intervention (BeatIt2). The BeatIt2 intervention is a behavioural activation intervention that aims to increase overt behaviours that are likely to bring the individual into contact with positive environmental contingencies, with a corresponding improvement in mood, thoughts, and overall well-being. We are further exploring the potential of this intervention in a feasibility study.

What we did

Developing and modelling an adapted intervention (BeatIt2)

The main aims of the study were i) to adapt the BeatIt behavioural activation intervention for delivery to adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities, and ii) try out the intervention. In the initial testing phase of the adapted intervention, the participants were randomly allocated to receive the BeatIt2 therapy or to continue with their usual care. However, the study had to be paused in response to the COVID19 pandemic. When it was possible to re-start the study, all participants recruited into phase 2 of the trial received the BeatIt2 therapy.

What we found

BeatIt2 feasibility study

Our current study, which was funded by the Chief Scientists Office in Scotland, and is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, is examining the feasibility of completing a two arm RCT of an adapted version of behavioural activation for people with severe to profound learning disabilities (BeatIt2). In it participants are randomised to BeatIt2 alongside treatment as usual (TAU) or to TAU alone. BeatIt2 is conducted by a therapist working with a person with severe and profound intellectual disabilities and their carer over 8 - 12 sessions, to develop a structured programme of activities and strategies for increasing motivation.

What these findings mean

This research highlights the importance of ensuring access to suitable psychological therapies for adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. The current feasibility study will allow us to see if it can be delivered in a real-life practice setting as well as answer other important research questions. The study ends in October 2026 and what we find out will enable us to determine whether a larger future trial of this intervention is feasible.

Professor Andrew Jahoda

Andrew Jahoda is a Professor of Learning Disabilities in the School of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow. He also has an honorary position as a consultant clinical psychologist with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Andrew has worked at Glasgow University since 1998. His research interests concern the mental health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities. This includes work about the impact of stigma and ways of promoting inclusion. Another strand of research is about adapting psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and behavioural activation for people with learning disabilities, to make them more accessible and sensitive to people’s lived experience.

Dr Katrina Bannigan

Katrina joined the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory in 2024 as a Research Assistant to work on the Beat It 2 study which is testing the feasibility of behavioural activation for depression in adults with severe learning disabilities. As an occupational therapist she is passionate about the value of occupations—our everyday activities—for health. Her past research has predominantly focused on evidence synthesis to support the development of complex interventions. Her interest in evidence synthesis grew out of the research she conducted for her PhD thesis which focused on the evidence-based practice within the allied health professions.