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Contact the study team using the details below to take part. If there are no contact details below please ask your doctor in the first instance.

Contact Information:

Prof Barney Dunn
B.D.Dunn@exeter.ac.uk


Miss Hope Trimmer
hst203@exeter.ac.uk


More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.

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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - Augmented depression therapy adapted for treating depression in adults with autism
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Augmented depression therapy adapted for treating depression in adults with autism

Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Mixed

Exeter

Medical Conditions

Treatment of depression in autistic adults

This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.


Depression is very common among autistic adults, but existing treatments do not always meet their needs. Many therapies mainly focus on reducing distress (low mood, worry, negative thoughts) and symptoms of depression, and neglect building wellbeing and restoring functioning in day to day life. This study will look at a new talking therapy called Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT). ADepT is designed not only to reduce distress but also to actively build wellbeing, quality of life, and functioning. Early research in the general population shows promising results, and this project will test how acceptable and useful it is for autistic adults with depression. The main aim is to find out whether ADepT is a good fit for autistic people, whether it is safe, and whether it shows early signs of improving mood and wellbeing. If successful, this study will lay the groundwork for a larger trial.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

17 Nov 2025 01 Jun 2026

- After initial screening and consent, participants will be randomly placed on a short waiting period (3–8 weeks) before starting therapy.
- The therapy itself will include up to 15 weekly one-hour sessions of ADepT, either in person or by video call.
- Optional “booster sessions” may be offered later to help maintain progress.
- Participants will complete questionnaires about their depression, anxiety, and wellbeing before, during, and after treatment, as well as at 2- and 6-month follow-up.
- Therapy sessions will be recorded (with permission) to ensure therapists are delivering the treatment as intended.
- After finishing therapy, participants will be invited to take part in an interview to provide feedback to help improve the treatment for others.


Adults (18 years and older) who have a diagnosis of autism or score above a screening threshold for autism, experience depression as their main difficulty, and meet the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, as well as scoring in the clinical range on a standard depression questionnaire. Participants must live in the catchment area for the Devon Integrated Care Board and be registered with a GP in that catchment area.

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


1. A level of risk to the self or others that cannot be safely managed in the clinic setting (e.g., an active suicidal plan) or that would significantly impair engagement in therapy.2. Significant cognitive impairment (e.g. unable to engage in therapy due to verbal comprehension, memory, and abstract thinking impairments).3. Current or historical psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia, indications of current mania, substance misuse issues, problematic eating that could interfere with engagement in therapy.4. Current moderate to severe personality disorder and/or antisocial personality traits that requires secondary/tertiary care management5. Features of a learning disability that the clinician judges would interfere with engagement in therapy and capacity to complete research assessments 6. Any severe, life-threatening, or clinically significant disease or disorder that in the assessing clinician’s judgment may either put the participants at risk because of participation in the trial, may influence the result of the trial, inhibit the participant’s ability to participate in the trial, or cannot be safely managed within the clinic setting7. Undertaking any other psychological intervention at the time of the trial8. Currently lacking capacity to give informed consent9. Presence of another area of difficulty that the therapist and client believe should be the primary focus on intervention (for example, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • The Accept Clinic (university of Exeter)
    Mood Disorders Cent, School of Psyc University of Exeter, Perry Road Washington Singer Building
    Exeter
    EX4 4QG

Benefits:
- Participants may find ADepT helpful in reducing their depression and improving their wellbeing.
- They will contribute to developing better therapies for autistic adults with depression.
- Small tokens of appreciation (like vouchers) will be given for taking part in research activities.
- Talking about difficult emotions may cause temporary distress.
- Some people may not find the therapy helpful.
- There is a small risk of feeling worse during therapy, although this will be monitored closely.
- If any safety risks arise (e.g., thoughts of self-harm), the research team will follow NHS safety procedures, inform the participant’s GP, and ensure support is in place.
Confidentiality will be protected, and all personal information will be stored securely.

Miss Hope Trimmer
hst203@exeter.ac.uk


Prof Barney Dunn
B.D.Dunn@exeter.ac.uk



More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.


The study is sponsored by University of Exeter and funded by NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.



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Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN22576507
Last updated 31 December 2025

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