Adapting ADepT (Augmented Depression Therapy) to young adults - results from a randomised multiple baseline case series

Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) is an individual psychotherapy for depression, which has been shown to be effective in the general adult population. A randomised multiple baseline case series evaluated feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of ADepT in young adults (aged 18-24). Eleven depressed young adults were recruited from a UK university wellbeing service to receive ADepT during the COVID-19 pandemic, with outcomes evaluated relative to pre-specified continuation targets. All participants received a minimum adequate treatment dose (>60% target); 89% judged ADepT as acceptable and satisfactory and would recommend it to others (>60% target); only 9% showed reliable deterioration for depression or wellbeing (meeting <30% target); and there were no trial- or treatment- related serious adverse events. Qualitative interviews revealed most participants experienced benefits from ADepT and were satisfied with it. At post-treatment, reliable improvement was shown by 33% of participants for depression and 67% of participants for wellbeing (not meeting target of both >60%), with medium effect size improvements for depression (g=.78) and large effect size improvement for wellbeing (g=.93; not meeting target of both >.80). ADepT is feasible, acceptable, and safe in young adults but may require modification to maximise effectiveness. Further research outside of the pandemic context is warranted.