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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. 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.

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 

This was the first study to develop and test the delivery of an adapted psychological therapy for adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. It was found possible to recruit adults with severe to profound intellectual disabilities to an intervention study of this nature. Moreover, the therapists were able to deliver BeatIt2 according to the manual and the participants engaged well in the sessions. 

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 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.

Why this study is important 

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.

For further information on this project, please contact Katrina Bannigan via sldo-info@glasgow.ac.uk 

Page updated March 2025