A blended intervention for adjustment disorder: Study protocol for a feasibility trial.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Psychosocial Stressors

Background:

• Adjustment disorder (AjD) is a maladaptive response to psychosocial stressors, potentially worsening if untreated.
• Blended interventions, combining digital and in-person elements, show promise for mental health treatment.
• Previous research suggests blended interventions are viable and effective for various mental health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a blended cognitive-behavioral intervention (CBT) for AjD.
• To assess participant expectations, preferences, satisfaction, and acceptance of the blended intervention.
• To explore recruitment and data collection methods, and reasons for dropout in a Spanish-speaking AjD population.

Main Methods:

• A single-group, open-trial feasibility study involving 41 participants.
• Treatment combines a 7-module internet-based CBT program with therapist videoconference sessions every 10-12 days.
• Assessments conducted at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3- and 12-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

• The study aims to measure feasibility through adherence, satisfaction, expectations, opinions, therapeutic alliance, and usability.
• Clinical measures will also be assessed to explore potential efficacy.
• This is the first study of a blended intervention for AjD in Spanish.

Conclusions:

• The blended CBT intervention for AjD is expected to be feasible and acceptable to patients.
• Findings will inform the design of future Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) to establish efficacy.
• Potential limitations such as recruitment challenges and dropout rates have been considered.