Evaluating cognitive analytic therapy within a primary care psychological therapy service

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is utilized in UK mental health for complex psychological issues.
• CAT is not routinely offered by NHS Talking Therapies for common mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
• This study evaluates CAT for patients with depression/anxiety, particularly those with relational difficulties, adverse childhood experiences, or emotion regulation issues, who are re-engaging with treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) for patients with depression and/or anxiety within the NHS Talking Therapies program.
• To examine treatment outcomes, including symptom reduction, reliable improvement, and recovery rates, for patients receiving CAT.

Main Methods:

• A pragmatic, real-world evaluation using routinely collected data from NHS Talking Therapies patients.
• Quantitative validated measures of depression and anxiety were administered pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at follow-up.
• Statistical analysis examined within-group changes in scores and calculated rates of reliable improvement and recovery.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant decreases in depression and anxiety scores were observed during CAT treatment.
• Post-treatment, 46.4% of patients achieved recovery, and 71.4% showed reliable improvement.
• These positive outcomes were sustained at follow-up, with recovery rates at 50% and reliable improvement at 79.4%.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) demonstrates potential as an effective treatment for NHS Talking Therapies patients with re-occurring depression and/or anxiety.
• Further research is warranted to explore the wider implementation of CAT within NHS Talking Therapies services.