Extrait

Background and study aims One in three carers of stroke survivors experience depression. Depression both negatively impacts the health and wellbeing of carers and the quality of care and recovery of the person cared for. However, the long term mental health needs of carers of stroke survivors have been neglected. A potential solution is supported cognitive behavioural therapy self-help (CBTsh), which is an evidence based psychological intervention for depression. We have worked closely with carers of stroke survivors to tailor existing treatments to the unique needs and difficulties experienced by carers of stroke survivors. We want to look at whether this new support will help improve outcomes for relatives and carers of stroke survivors with depression. Who can participate? This study is looking to recruit 60 carers of stroke survivors across Dorset and Cornwall. Carers will be aged 16 or over, meeting diagnostic criteria for depression and having been a carer for a minimum of 2 months post home discharge. What does the study involve? Taking part in the study involves a number of stages over 6 months. The study team will need to speak with participants over the telephone or face-to-face to confirm suitability for the trial. Participants who are suitable will be randomly allocated to receive either the new CBTsh based support or to remain receiving usual care. We will also need to ask participants further questions at 4 months and 6 months to see how they are doing. Participants randomly allocated to the new CBTsh based support will meet with a psychological wellbeing practitioner (PWP) face-to-face or speak with them over the telephone. PWPs are workers in the NHS trained to support this type of therapy. Participants will receive regular support sessions over a period of time decided together with their PWP. Usually they will receive up to around 12 sessions over a 4 month period. Each session tends to be up to 40 minutes. Participants randomly allocated to usual care could receive a number of different things. Participants may receive care from their GP. Their GP may prescribe them with antidepressant medication if appropriate, or make a referral to a mental health professional. Participants who continue to receive usual care will be given the chance to take part in the CBT based support at the end of the study. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? We hope that either continuing normal care or the CBT based support will help participants’ depression. CBT based support is recommended for depression by NICE (The National Institute for Clinical Excellence). Continued usual care may include other treatments recommended by NICE. However, we cannot guarantee these treatments will help participants. The information we get from this study will help us to treat future carers of stroke survivors experiencing depression better. Taking part in this study will involve taking time to talk to the researchers face-to-face or over the telephone about how they are getting on. These questions can be personal and it may be upsetting to discuss these subjects. If randomly allocated to the CBTsh based support participants will have to agree to work through the programme and attend the support sessions. Taking part in the programme does involve time, effort and commitment. Where is the study run from? The CEDArS Study is being run by the Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter. When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study will be starting in May 2013 and is expected to run for 12 months. Who is funding the study? The study is funded by The Dunhill Medical Trust as part of a Research Training Fellowship. Who is the main contact? Joanne Woodford [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Depression in carers of stroke survivors

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp