What is the study about?
This study aims to help individuals with depression whose condition has not been satisfactorily improved by previous treatments. These treatments may include medication, psychological therapy or both.
The study is evaluating the role of psychoanalytic psychotherapy as a treatment for this condition. The treatment is weekly and it lasts for eighteen months.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy sets out to address the personal and psychological issues which we think underlie chronic depression. Clinical experience and existing research indicate that psychoanalytic therapies work, but further investigation is needed into how effective they are for those with long-term treatment-resistant depression.
What will come out of the study?
The lack of randomised controlled trials in psychoanalytic psychotherapy is currently a barrier to developing better services for those requiring care.The Tavistock Adult Depression Study (TADS) aims to produce findings which develop:
- specific understanding of how effective this form of treatment is in improving long-term treatment-resistant depression
- a deeper understanding of the nature of this condition and of how it can be improved
- a deeper understanding of the way in which this therapy works.
The findings of TADS will contribute to the development of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in respect of the most common mental disorder. They will help the National Institute of Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) as it further develops its recommendations for the treatment of depression.
Where we are now?
The Tavistock Adult Depression Study (TADS) has been evaluating the role of psychoanalytic psychotherapy in the treatment of primary care patients with treatment-resistant depression since 2002. The trial is expected to report in 2012.
