Clinical Trial of CBASP for Individuals With Co-occurring Chronic Depression and Alcohol Dependence

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study examines the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) in reducing both alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms in adults who are chronically depressed and alcohol dependent.

Detailed Description
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This study examines the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) in reducing both alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms in adults who are chronically depressed and alcohol dependent. Participants will receive a 20-session course of CBASP psychotherapy over a period of 21 weeks and will be assessed for severity of pretreatment psychological abuse and trauma as well as pre and posttreatment interpersonal functioning. Two primary hypotheses are to be tested: 1) demonstrate that CBASP is effective in reducing depressive symptoms (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-24 ratings) and alcohol consumption (drinks per drinking day) in this chronically depressed alcohol dependent cohort when posttreatment ratings are compared to pretreatment levels; and 2) demonstrate that acquisition of feeling safe with the therapist and acquisition of the ability to perceive the interpersonal consequences of one's behavior will significantly increase from pre to posttreatment levels and will be associated with reductions in drinking and depressive symptoms.

Official Title
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Clinical Trial of CBASP for Individuals With Co-occurring Chronic Depression and Alcohol Dependence

Conditions
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Depressive Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, Alcohol-Related Disorders, Alcoholism

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Clinical diagnosis of a current major depressive disorder (e.g., Major Depression, Dysthymic Disorder) for a minimum of two years Clinical diagnosis of alcohol dependence during the last thirty days Interest in changing one's drinking and alleviating depressive symptoms Exclusion Criteria: Please call study site for additional information

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 21 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Chronically Depressed, Alcohol Dependent<br>Participants who have been formally diagnosed with a clinical diagnosis of Chronic Depression and Alcohol Dependence. | Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy<br>* Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) is a behavioral intervention that addresses the unique behavioral characteristics of chronically depressed individuals, most of which are highly relevant for alcoholics as well. CBASP has a structured, individualized, and collaborative (patient and clinician) design. The intervention emphasizes teaching effective coping strategies and employing motivational, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal techniques. Individual therapy (1 hour) sessions occur on a weekly basis for a total of 20 sessions over a period of 21 weeks.<br>* Other names: CBASP;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Depression Rating | Change in depression rating scale over time. | Baseline and 20 weeks | 
| Drinking behavior | Change in number of drinks consumed per day over time. | Baseline and 20 weeks |