Adolescents and carers using mindfulness for depression

The study is trying to find out if Mindfulness for Adolescents and Carers (MAC) plus treatment as usual (TAU) is more effective and cost-effective compared to TAU alone.
What is the study about?
We want to find out how does mindfulness work for adolescents and for whom does it work best? This study is called ATTEND, which stands for adolescents and carers using mindfulness therapy to end depression.
Who is running the study?
ATTEND is a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) sponsored by Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge. The Principal Investigator is Professor Tamsin Ford, with Professor Clara Strauss leading for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The study is sponsored by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)
Timeline
ATTEND will be recruiting participants from June 2024 to January 2026.
What is the possible impact?
New treatment that could be implemented in NHS teams and schools across UK to support young people with depression/low mood. Potentially this treatment could be offered nationwide as a second-line intervention to teenagers who continue to struggle with symptoms of depression after receiving therapy. We hope this will not only help the young people offered this treatment but also reduce waitlists in CAMHS to improve access to mental health support.
Why should you take part?
You will be helping support in the development of a new treatment for depression and all participants will be randomised into either our treatment arm (offered an 8-week MAC group) or our control group (continue with current treatment). Both groups will be offered £60 incentive for involvement of the study (spread across one year).
What will taking part involve?
After being randomised to either 8-week MAC therapy group or control group, we ask participants to complete a short questionnaire every two weeks to track mood over one year so that we can compare how effective MAC is compared to current treatments offered in schools and the NHS.
Who can take part?
Young people between ages 15-18, struggling with low mood/depression, who have previously completed an evidence-based treatment for depression or anxiety.
How can I take part?
Contact us with your interest or fill in your details on the study website.
Take a look at the study website here: www.attendstudy.org
Contact details
T: 07886 589752
E: attend@medschl.cam.ac.uk