What is the background to the study?
Many adults with autism suffer from depressive symptoms, especially insomnia. Depressive symptoms can have many negative effects on a person's life and well-being. We will work with a group of adults with autism to adapt an existing guided online self-help programme for depression (Moodbuster) to the needs of people with autism and these symptoms. The programme is based on principles of cognitive behavioural therapy. It focuses on understanding and addressing problematic thoughts and behaviours that contribute to emotional problems and insomnia. The programme lasts about 5-6 weeks in total and takes place entirely online.
The effectiveness of Moodbuster Autism has not been tested before, but previous studies have been conducted on the original Moodbuster treatment in other, non-autistic groups. Those studies found that Moodbuster can effectively improve depressive symptoms.
How does the study proceed?
How long will the study take?
How long your participation lasts depends on which group you are assigned to (see step 2). For group 1, participation lasts 6 months, of which the first 6 weeks are more intensive. After 6 months, only 1 questionnaire follows. For group 2, participation takes 3 months, of which the last 6 weeks are more intensive.
How does the study proceed?
Step 1: Pre-selection First, we do a pre-selection to see who is suitable to participate in this study.
Step 2: The programmes For this study, we randomly make 2 groups:
- Group 1. People in this group will be given direct access to the online Moodbuster Autism programme. There is guidance from a coach. The programme includes assignments in the online portal. There are 5 sessions in total. As it involves one session per week, the programme lasts about 5 weeks.
- Group 2. People in this group first receive online psychoeducation (education) about depression in autism. After 6 weeks, this group also gets access to the Moodbuster Autism programme. They then also receive a coach (see above).
A draw determines which group someone is placed in. The chance of someone being placed in group 1 or 2 is 50/50. Grouping is done by a computer software, the researchers have no influence on this.
Step 3: Surveys and measurements For the study, participants complete a questionnaire 4-5 times over a 6-week or 6-month period. Completing the questionnaire takes between 3 and 15 minutes each time.
