Adaptation of a Behavioral Activation Treatment to Treat Depression in Autistic Adults
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Enrollment
- 9
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Glasgow Depression Scale for Intellectual Disability (GDS)
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The present study aims to adapt and evaluate the feasibility of the BeatIt-2 behavioral activation intervention for people with intellectual disabilities and low mood to be implemented with minimally verbal autistic individuals.
Detailed Description
Aim 1. The first phase of the project will focus on adapting the BeatIt-2 manual to consider specific needs of MV autistic adults. This procedure includes an intervention development group (IDG), for which MV autistic adults and their supporters (i.e., someone identified as a source of support they can work with) will be recruited. Aim 2. During the following phase of the project, a feasibility trial will be conducted. Using the treatment manual and study procedures adapted and refined in phase 1, the trial will examine the feasibility and acceptability of BeatIt-MV.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Na
- Intervention Model
- Single Group
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to — (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Minimally verbal
- •Aged 18 years or older
- •Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and clinically significant depression based on clinical best estimate diagnosis using DSM-5 or Diagnostic Manual - Intellectual Disability criteria
- •Have a support person willing to participate
- •Live in New Jersey or New York, or be within travel distance to Rutgers University
Exclusion Criteria
- •Not able to engage in treatment in English
- •current engagement in other treatment for depression
- •conditions that may preclude engagement in treatment sessions (e.g., active psychosis, unmanaged seizures)
- •high suicide risk (i.e., with a clear plan, expressed intent or recent documented attempts)
Arms & Interventions
BeatIt-MV Treatment Group
Participants, along with support persons, will complete 12 weekly sessions of the BeatIt-MV intervention. The support person will complete an initial session before commencement of the 12 weekly sessions.
Intervention: BeatIt-MV (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Glasgow Depression Scale for Intellectual Disability (GDS)
Time Frame: Week 1 (initial assessment) to week 16 (outcome) to week 22 (follow-up)
The GDS is a 20-item self- and caregiver-reported questionnaire of psychological function over the past week with all items on a "0" (Never/No) to 2 (Always/A lot) scale. Higher scores equal more distress. Scores range from 0-32. The expected change is a decrease in the score.
Anxiety Depression and Mood Scale (ADAMS)
Time Frame: Week 1 (initial assessment) to week 16 (outcome) to week 22 (follow-up)
The ADAMS is a 20-item caregiver-reported questionnaire of psychological function over the past week with all items on a "0" (Never/No) to 2 (Always/A lot) scale. Higher scores equal more distress. Total scores range from 0-84. The expected change is a decrease in the score.
Mood, Interest, & Pleasure Questionnaire (MIPQ)
Time Frame: Week 1 (initial assessment) to week 16 (outcome) to week 22 (follow-up)
The MIPQ is a 25-item caregiver-reported questionnaire of behaviors over the past week with all items on a "0" (Never) to 4 (All the time) scale. Higher scores equal more distress. Total scores range from 0-100. The expected change is a decrease in the score.
Secondary Outcomes
- Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, 3rd edition (VABS-3)(Week 1 (initial assessment) to week 22 (follow-up))
- Shalock Quality of Life Questionnaire(Week 1 (initial assessment) to week 16 (outcome) to week 22 (follow-up))
Investigators
Vanessa H. Bal, PhD
Associate Professor; Karmazin & Lillard Chair in Adult Autism, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey