An investigation of Mechanisms of Action in oPtimal Psychological therapies for Episodes of more severe Depression in adults

This is a standalone mechanistic study investigating the mechanisms of action in the effective treatment of severe depression using Person-Centred Experiential Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the two psychological therapies most frequently delivered by NHS England's Talking Therapies program. We will be conducting a secondary analysis of quantitative and qualitative data (including recordings of therapy sessions) collected in the PRaCTICED trial (ISRCTN06461651) using a mixed methods comparative case study design. We expect to find evidence that the mechanisms of action in good outcome cases in both therapies are consistent with the rationale for the specific treatment enhanced by elements common to both treatments. 

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