Integrative-interpersonal dynamic therapy for poststroke depression (INID): study protocol of a randomised controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Poststroke depression (PSD) is common, affecting one-third of survivors.
• PSD leads to poorer recovery, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality.
• Despite its impact, PSD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a new integrative-interpersonal dynamic psychotherapy for PSD in an outpatient setting.
• To provide an initial estimation of the potential effect size for future definitive trials.
• To evaluate treatment acceptability and preliminary efficacy.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial involving depressed stroke survivors.
• Intervention group received 12-week manualized psychotherapy; control group received enhanced treatment as usual.
• Primary endpoints: recruitment feasibility (≥20% rate) and treatment acceptability (≥70% completion rate).

Main Results:

• The study aims to report recruitment feasibility and treatment acceptability rates.
• Preliminary effect size estimation for depression scores (PHQ-9) at six months poststroke will be calculated.
• Secondary endpoints include changes in depression and anxiety over one year.

Conclusions:

• This pilot study will inform the design of a larger trial for PSD treatment.
• The findings will guide sample size estimation for a definitive study.
• The developed intervention shows promise for treating depression in stroke survivors.