Davies, Geoff, Csecs, Jenny L L, Ball, Heather, Dare, Jess, Bremner, Stephen, Hosking, Robin, Critchley, Hugo D, Grey, Nick and Eccles, Jessica A (2021) Altering Dynamics of Autonomic Processing Therapy (ADAPT) trial: a novel, targeted treatment for reducing anxiety in joint hypermobility. Trials, 22 (1). a645 1-10. ISSN 1745-6215

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (592kB)

Abstract

Background
Hypermobility is a poorly recognised and understood musculoskeletal disorder thought to affect around 20% of the population. Hypermobility is associated with reduced physiological and psychological functioning and quality of life and is a known risk factor for the development of an anxiety disorder. To date, no evidence-based, targeted treatment for anxiety in the context of hypermobility exists. The present intervention (ADAPT—Altering Dynamics of Autonomic Processing Therapy) is a novel therapy combining bio-behavioural training with cognitive approaches from clinical health psychology targeting the catastrophisation of internal sensations, with aim to improve autonomic trait prediction error.

Method
Eighty individuals with diagnosed hypermobility will be recruited and the efficacy of ADAPT to treat anxiety will be compared to an Emotion-Focused Supportive Therapy (EFST) comparator therapy in a randomised controlled trial. The primary treatment target will be post therapy score on the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and secondary outcomes will also be considered in relation to interoception, depression, alexithymia, social and work adjustment, panic symptoms and dissociation. Due to COVID restrictions, the intervention will be moved to online delivery and qualitative assessment of treatment tolerance to online therapy will also be assessed.

Discussion
Online delivery of an intervention targeting anxiety would improve the quality of life for those experiencing anxiety disorder and help to reduce the £11.7 billion that anxiety disorders cost the UK economy annually.

Trial registration
World Health Organization ISRCTN17018615. Registered on 20th February 2019; trial protocol version 2

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Anxiety, CBT, Hypermobility, Interoception, RCT, Anxiety, COVID-19, Humans, Joint Instability, Quality of Life, SARS-CoV-2, Treatment Outcome
Schools and Departments:	Brighton and Sussex Medical School > Neuroscience Brighton and Sussex Medical School > Primary Care and Public Health
SWORD Depositor:	Mx Elements Account
Depositing User:	Mx Elements Account
Date Deposited:	11 Oct 2021 09:03
Last Modified:	11 Oct 2021 09:15
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/102224

View download statistics for this item

📧 Request an update