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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Study protocol

The efficacy of behavioural activation treatment for co-occurring depression and substance use disorder (the activate study): a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Joanne Ross, Maree Teesson, Carl Lejuez, Katherine Mills, Sharlene Kaye, Kathleen Brady, Glenys Dore, Katrina Prior, Xanthe Larkin, Joanne Cassar, Philippa Ewer, Sonja Memedovic, Ivana Kihas, Sarah Louise Masters

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Epidemiological studies suggest that compared with the general population, mood disorders are up to 4.7 times more prevalent in substance dependent samples. Comorbid substance use disorder (SUD) and depression has been associated with a more severe and protracted illness course and poorer treatment outcomes. Despite this, the development and assessment of behavioural interventions for treating depression among individuals with SUDs have received little empirical attention. Behavioural Activation Treatment for Depression (BATD-R) is an empirically supported treatment for depression that has shown some efficacy among substance users. This paper describes the study protocol of a parallel, single blind, randomised controlled trial to determine the efficacy and feasibility of a modified version of the BATD-R (Activate) in reducing symptoms of depression and substance dependence among individuals in residential rehabilitation (RR) and opioid substitution therapy (OST).

Methods/design

A sample of approximately 200 individuals with depressive symptomatology in treatment for SUD will be recruited from RR and OST services in New South Wales, Australia. Dynamic random allocation following minimisation methodology will be used to assign participants to one of two groups. The control group will receive treatment as usual (TAU), which will be the model of care provided in accordance with standard practice at participating RR and OST services. The intervention group will receive Activate, comprising 10 individual 60-min therapy sessions with a psychologist employed on the research team, in addition to TAU. Data collection will occur at baseline (pre-intervention), and 3-months and 12-months post baseline.

Discussion

The association between depression and substance dependence has been well documented, yet practical and effective treatments are scarce. The findings of the present study will contribute significantly to understanding the types of programs that are effective in treating this comorbidity.

Trial registration

This trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials registry, ACTRN12613000876​796. Registered on 7 August, 2013.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The efficacy of behavioural activation treatment for co-occurring depression and substance use disorder (the activate study): a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Joanne Ross
Maree Teesson
Carl Lejuez
Katherine Mills
Sharlene Kaye
Kathleen Brady
Glenys Dore
Katrina Prior
Xanthe Larkin
Joanne Cassar
Philippa Ewer
Sonja Memedovic
Ivana Kihas
Sarah Louise Masters
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-0943-1

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