Version 1.1 30/07/2016

Mood Disorders Centre AccEPT Primary Care Psychological Therapies Service

Accessing Evidence-based Psychological Therapies: See www.centres.ex.ac.uk/mood/clinic

Referral form for group treatment for PTSD in individuals with depression

ACCEPT offers evidence-based and developing therapies to people experiencing severe and/or recurrent depression and related disorders.

We have developed a group treatment aimed at people who have survived interpersonal psychological trauma and experience PTSD and depression.

This new group treatment combines NICE-recommended Trauma-focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT) for PTSD and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for depression with novel compassion-focussed approaches designed to improve self-compassion. This treatment incorporates approaches that address both the emotion regulation and interpersonal deficits that are highly prevalent amongst individuals with complex PTSD and child trauma histories.

In preparation for a randomised controlled trial (RCT), we are currently conducting a research study that aims to study feasibility and acceptability of this new treatment in comparison with a group TF-CBT only treatment that has been found to be effective in a US health care setting for a similar target sample. We also aim to refine and study acceptability and feasibility of our recruitment, referral and assessment procedures. In particular, we need to know if it is acceptable and feasible for clients, referrers and therapists that we allocate patients to one of two possible treatments. Therefore, over autumn/winter 2016/17 we will be accepting referrals for approximately 16 places in two therapy groups, one commencing in approximately November, the other starting approximately in February and running for approximately 4-5 months. Sessions will be on a weekly basis, with occasional “breaks” during which time participants will speak individually to one of the therapists.

Your client may be appropriate for the group if he / she:

·  Is aged 18 or over

·  Has had a history of interpersonal psychological trauma (for example sexual, physical or emotional (bullying) abuse in childhood and adolescence or violent physical or sexual assault)

·  Had in the past month either:

o  nightmares about it or thought about it when they did not want to, or

o  tried hard not to think about it or avoided situations that reminded them of it, or

o  were constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled, or

o  felt numb or detached from others, activities, or their surroundings?

·  Client wishes to engage in trauma-focussed psychological therapy including willingness to talk about their traumatic experience

·  Client is prepared and safe to participate in regular group therapy

The group is not suitable for people who:

·  Have current substance dependence

·  A primary diagnosis of a psychotic illness or bipolar disorder

·  Have organic brain damage

·  Client is currently in a suicidal crisis (as more crisis-orientated intervention would be necessary)

·  Client is presenting difficulties that are characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder rather than PTSD and that would be a treatment target in dialectic behaviour therapy (DBT) (e.g. frequent and serious deliberate self-harm)

·  The information available suggests that the person may present a significant risk to other group members (such as aggression)

·  Client is currently experiencing acute threat in the form of ongoing domestic violence (as this would impact on the client’s ability to engage with the treatment effectively, but could be reassessed at a later point/when safety is established)

·  Client involved in ongoing litigation around the traumatic experiences (as this may interfere with both the treatment and the legal procedures).

·  Are currently involved in psychotherapy or counselling.

If you would like further information or to discuss whether the group might be suitable for your clients, please contact the lead facilitator, Dr Anke Karl, on 01392 725271or email:

All referrals will be assessed within 6 weeks of referral. A decision of whether this therapy would be appropriate will be made in discussion with the person at the end of the assessment.

This group therapy is being run in addition to the standard therapies that we offer for people with severe or recurrent depression. For information on these or to access the standard AccEPT referral form please see:

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/mooddisorders/acceptclinic/

Name / Referrer
Male / Female / DoB / Date of referral
Address
Tel No:
Mobile no: / GP
GP Practice Name and address
Please provide as much information as possible including presenting problems, relevant psychological history, current situation and clinical measures. If preferred attach referral letter.
Previously referred to AccEPT Yes No PHQ9 Score GAD7 Score

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