Refractory depression – mechanisms and evaluation of Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT) [REFRAMED]: protocol for randomised trial

Abstract

Introduction: Only 30% to 40% of depressed patients treated with medication achieve full remission. Studies that change medication or augment it by psychotherapy achieve only limited benefits, in part because current treatments are not designed for chronic and complex patients. Previous trials have excluded high risk patients and those with comorbid personality disorder. Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT) is a novel, transdiagnostic treatment for disorders of emotional over-control. The REFRAMED trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of RO-DBT for patients with treatment-resistant depression.

Methods & Analysis: REFRAMED is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial, comparing seven months of individual and group RO-DBT treatment with treatment as usual (TAU). Our primary outcome measure is depressive symptoms 12 months after randomisation. We shall estimate the cost effectiveness of RO-DBT by cost per quality-adjusted life-year. Causal analyses will explore the mechanisms by which RO-DBT is effective.

Ethics & Dissemination: The Hampshire Research Ethics Committee first granted ethical approval on 20 June 2011, National Research Ethics Service (NRES) reference number 11/SC/0146. Trial Registration: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN85784627, date assigned 10/08/2011.

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ORCID for T.R. Lynch: orcid.org/0000-0003-1270-6097

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