BEAT-IT: Behavioural Activation and Severe Learning Disabilities

Behavioural Activation (BeatIt) for Depression in Adults With Severe Intellectual Disabilities. A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Study of BeatIt Versus Treatment as Usual

Depression is common, but no psychological interventions have been tested to see if they work for adults with severe intellectual disabilities. The research team recently successfully completed a full-scale trial of a psychological intervention, BeatIt, for depressed adults with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of modifying BeatIt for depressed adults with severe intellectual disabilities, collecting the information needed on likely recruitment, measures, and waiting list control arm options, to design a full-scale study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Severe/profound intellectual disabilities
• 18 years old and over
• Clinically significant unipolar depression
• Has a family member or paid carer who has supported them for a minimum of 6 months to complete the screening and baseline visits OR is able to obtain information for the previous 4 months prior to randomisation. The carer, or another named individual, should be available for weekly-fortnightly treatment sessions with the practitioner, and should currently provide a minimum of 10 hours support per week to the participant.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suicidal
• Mild/moderate intellectual disabilities
• Factors that prevent the person from interacting with the carer and therapist or retaining information from the therapy (e.g. late stage dementia, significant agitation, withdrawal arising from psychosis)
• Does not consent to her/his GP being contacted about their participation in the study.