Optimising psychological treatment for Anxiety DisordErs in Pregnancy (ADEPT): study protocol for a feasibility trial of time-intensive CBT versus weekly CBT

• Main Authors: Fiona L. Challacombe, Laura Potts, Ben Carter, Vanessa Lawrence, Alaina Husbands, Louise M. Howard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-04-01
• Series: Pilot and Feasibility Studies
• Subjects: Perinatal; Anxiety; Pregnancy; Treatment; Cognitive behaviour therapy; Feasibility
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-021-00838-8

Abstract Background Moderate to severe anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia and panic disorder are common, and affect approximately 11–16% of women in pregnancy. Psychological treatments for anxiety disorders, primarily cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), have a substantial evidence base and recently time-intensive versions have been found as effective as weekly treatments. However, this has not been trialled in women who are pregnant, where a shorter intervention may be desirable. Methods The ADEPT study is a feasibility randomised controlled trial with two parallel intervention groups. Time-intensive one-to-one CBT and standard weekly one-to-one CBT delivered during pregnancy will be compared. Feasibility outcomes including participation and follow-up rates will be assessed, alongside the acceptability of the interventions using qualitative methods. Discussion The study will provide preliminary data to inform the design of a full-scale randomised controlled trial of a time-intensive intervention for anxiety during pregnancy. This will include information on the acceptability of time-intensive interventions for pregnant women with anxiety disorders. Trial registration https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN81203286 prospectively registered 27/6/2019.