CompletedInterventional

Integrated CBT for depression trial (INTERACT RCT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective talking therapy for depression, but long waiting lists mean many people struggle to get support. The INTERACT trial is testing a new approach called 'integrated CBT'. This method pairs online materials, like videos and worksheets, with regular appointments with a qualified therapist held via video call, instant messaging, or telephone. Participants are placed into one of two groups by chance. One group receives between 9 and 12 sessions of integrated CBT alongside their usual GP care. The other group continues with their usual GP care alone. Everyone fills out questionnaires over 12 months so the research team can see how their mood changes. The goal is to find out if this flexible, home-based treatment works well, offers good value for the NHS, and is easy and pleasant for patients to use.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Bristol

Enrolment target

458

Start

23 Nov 2020

Estimated completion

11 Jul 2023

Depression

What is this study about?

Depression is a common mental health condition that can cause low mood, tiredness, and a loss of interest in everyday activities. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking treatment that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions affect one another. While CBT is known to help, finding a therapist through the NHS can take time, and simple self-help apps do not offer enough support for everyone.

The INTERACT study tests a new treatment called 'integrated CBT'. Instead of having to travel to a clinic each week, participants meet their therapist once in person or on a video call, and then continue their sessions online through private instant messaging or phone calls. Between sessions, you can use a smartphone, tablet, or computer to watch short videos, read advice, and complete simple exercises at times that suit you.

Researchers from the University of Bristol, University College London, and the University of York want to see whether this blended approach helps people recover from depression. By comparing it to standard GP care, the team hopes to find a practical, affordable way to make one-to-one therapy available to more people across the UK.

Key takeaways

The INTERACT trial tests a flexible type of CBT combining online tools with a qualified therapist.
It is open to adults in the UK with depression who have access to the internet.
Participants are randomly chosen to receive either integrated CBT (9 to 12 sessions) or standard GP care.
The study lasts for 12 months and involves filling in questionnaires at regular intervals.
Taking part is free, voluntary, and will not disrupt your usual GP appointments or medications.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults aged 18 and over who are currently experiencing symptoms of depression. To take part, you must have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection, and feel comfortable using it to chat with a therapist and complete forms in English.

You cannot join if you are already having talking therapy, or if you have had intensive, one-to-one CBT in the last four years. The study is also not suitable for people currently being treated by, or referred to, a specialist psychiatrist.

For safety reasons, people who have had problems with drug or alcohol addiction in the past year cannot take part. The trial is also not open to anyone diagnosed with conditions such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, or dementia.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or older.
I am currently feeling depressed or have been told I have depression.
I have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet.
I am not currently having any talking therapy or seeing a psychiatrist.
I have not had one-to-one, intensive CBT in the last 4 years.
I do not have a history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe substance addiction in the last year.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part starts with a short 10-minute phone call to see if the trial is right for you. If it is, you will have an appointment (lasting around 90 to 120 minutes) with a researcher to discuss the study, sign a consent form, and fill in some questionnaires. A computer program will then place you by chance into one of two groups: usual GP care, or usual GP care plus integrated CBT.

If you are in the CBT group, you will be offered 9 to 12 therapy sessions. The first session is face-to-face or via video call, and the rest take place using secure instant messaging and phone calls. You will also get online exercises to try at home. No new medicines are being tested, and you can continue taking your normal prescribed treatments.

All participants will be asked to complete follow-up questionnaires and simple computer tasks after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Some people may also be invited to a short interview to share their thoughts about the study. Your total time in the trial will be 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part gives you the opportunity to help doctors find better ways to treat depression, which could help many other people in the future. If you are placed in the therapy group, you may learn helpful new skills to manage your low mood, though improvement cannot be guaranteed. Talking about personal feelings can sometimes be challenging or bring up difficult emotions. You are free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and deciding to stop will never affect your normal medical care or your relationship with your doctor.

Locations (3)

University of Bristol
Approximate
Bristol, England
University College London
Approximate
London, England
Hull and York Medical School
City only
York, England

Common questions

Will I definitely get the new online therapy?

Not necessarily. A computer randomly chooses whether you receive the integrated CBT sessions or stay on standard GP care alone. This ensures the study results are fair and reliable.

Can I carry on taking my antidepressants?

Yes. The study does not change your medicines. You can keep taking your prescribed treatment and seeing your GP as normal.

Do I have to pay anything to take part?

No. All therapy sessions and online study materials are completely free of charge. The research is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

What equipment do I need?

You will need a reliable internet connection and a device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer to message your therapist and complete the tasks.

What happens if I decide I want to stop?

You can leave the study at any point. You do not need to give an explanation, and your regular NHS medical care will continue as normal.

How to find out more

Debbie Tallon

d.tallon@bristol.ac.uk +44 (0)117 4561618 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.