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Home / Our research / Solutions focused research / Psychological therapies / BeatIt2: Behavioural Activation for Depression

BeatIt2: Behavioural Activation for Depression

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. The aim of this study was to develop an adapted intervention (BeatIt2) and to conduct initial feasibility testing of this intervention.

What we did
Adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities were recruited to a randomised controlled trial of an adapted behavioural activation intervention (BeatIt2). The participants were randomly allocated to receive the BeatIt therapy or to continue with their usual care. 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 BeatIt therapy. Phase 2 focused on the feasibility of delivering the therapy. Semi-structured interviews were also carried out with a selected sample of supporters and therapists to capture their experiences and perspectives of the BeatIt2 treatment.

What we found
The study demonstrated that it is possible to recruit adults with severe to profound intellectual disabilities to a randomised control trial of an adapted behavioural activation intervention for the treatment of depression. There was strong participant retention at 6-month follow-up, and therapists reported good fidelity to the BeatIt2 manual. Therapists and supporters viewed the intervention as both acceptable and appropriate for people with more severe to profound intellectual disabilities.

What these finding mean
The current study is the first to develop and test the delivery of an adapted psychological therapy for adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. The research highlights the importance of ensuring access to suitable psychological therapies for adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. The adapted therapy was viewed positively by supporters and therapists. The current findings have informed further adaptation and development of the BeatIt2 therapy. The positive findings from this study suggest that a larger future trial of this intervention is feasible.

For further information on this project, please contact Amanda Gillooly

Page updated February 2023