title: Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) for chronic depression: clinical characteristics and six month clinical outcomes in an open case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Evidence-based guidance on how best to treat chronic depression is limited. Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) has shown some promise with this 'difficult-to-treat' clinical group. This case series was designed to assess the acceptability and utility of this novel treatment in routine clinical practice within the U.K. National Health Service.
  
  
  METHODS
  We offered an open trial of CBASP to a cohort of 115 referred patients within primary and secondary care. Diagnostic interview and standardised outcome measures were administered before and after 6 months of CBASP with a trained, accredited therapist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-four patients entered therapy, with 46 completing. 30% met criteria for remission (≤ 8 HRSD-24 score) and a further 30% met criteria for clinically significant change (> 8 and ≤15 HRSD-24 plus 50% reduction in baseline score). Thirty-nine per cent made "No change". Group measures of quality of life, social functioning and interpersonal functioning also improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This was an open study design with a moderate sample size and no control group. Ratings were not completed using a blinded procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CBASP is an acceptable therapy for a large proportion of patients with chronic depression and was associated with clinically significant change in 60% of completers.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, UK. Electronic address: johnswan@nhs.net.
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Swan
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Macvicar
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Christmas
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Durham
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rauchhaus
authors.forename: James P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: McCullough
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matthews
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: CBASP; Case series; Chronic depression; Psychotherapy; Treatment-refractory