The experiences of therapists providing psychological treatment for adults with depression and intellectual disabilities as part of a randomised controlled trial.

Ian C Smith,Chris Hatton,Kim Appleton,Chris Williams,Sally‐Ann Cooper,Richard P Hastings,Robert S P Jones,Craig Melville,Andrew Jahoda,Jaci C Huws,Dave Dagnan,Katie Scott

doi:10.1111/jar.12886

Abstract

Health professionals were trained to deliver adapted psychological interventions for depression to people with learning disabilities and depression alongside a supporter. Exploring the delivery of psychological interventions can help increase access to therapy. Twenty-seven participants took part in six focus groups, and the data were subject to a Framework Analysis. The structure and focus of the manualised therapies, and the use of specific techniques were perceived as key to service-user engagement. Supporters' involvement was valued by therapists if they had a good relationship and regular contact with the individual they supported. Regular clinical supervision was regarded as vital in understanding their role, assessing progress and delivering the interventions. The findings highlight that health professionals can embrace a focussed therapeutic role and increase access to psychological therapies for people with intellectual disabilities.

Highlights

Depression is a common mental health problem (Cuijpers et al, 2013; McManus et al, 2009)
In the quotes shown below, the acronyms BIT and SUT refer to behavioural activation (BeatIt) and StepUp therapists, respectively, followed by the number given to each person
Nurses who were BeatIt and StepUp therapists described initial conflicts of expectation in having to engage in work that focussed solely on therapy rather than implementing the range of holistic care usually associated with nursing:

Summary

Introduction

Depression is a common mental health problem (Cuijpers et al, 2013; McManus et al, 2009). Psychological therapies are regarded as frontline interventions for depression (Cuijpers et al, 2013; National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 2009). Guidance regarding best practice in working with people with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems was recently issued in England (National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 2016). The lack of trained therapists with the confidence to deliver psychological therapies for problems like depression has proved to be another barrier to treatment for people with intellectual disabilities (Beail, 2016). Health professionals were trained to deliver adapted psychological interventions for depression to people with learning disabilities and depression alongside a supporter. Conclusions: The findings highlight that health professionals can embrace a focussed therapeutic role and increase access to psychological therapies for people with intellectual disabilities

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion