Two core features of depression are elevations in negative valence system (NVS) functioning and
reductions in positive valence system (PVS) functioning. Existing psychological treatments have focused on
the NVS and neglected the PVS, which may contribute to sub-optimal outcomes. The present mixed
methods multiple randomised baseline ...
Two core features of depression are elevations in negative valence system (NVS) functioning and
reductions in positive valence system (PVS) functioning. Existing psychological treatments have focused on
the NVS and neglected the PVS, which may contribute to sub-optimal outcomes. The present mixed
methods multiple randomised baseline case series preliminarily evaluates Augmented Depression Therapy
(ADepT), a novel depression treatment targeting PVS and NVS disturbance that aims both to reduce
depression and enhance wellbeing. Eleven clinically depressed participants were recruited. Intensive time
series analyses showed that 7/11 participants improved on both wellbeing and depression. Reliable and
clinically significant improvement was observed for 9/11 participants on at least one of these outcomes (and
also across a range of other PVS and NVS outcomes). Group level analyses showed significant pre to post
change on all outcomes. Benchmarking analyses indicated these effect sizes were at least comparable (and
for some PVS outcomes superior) to existing treatments. Gains were largely sustained over one-year followup. Qualitative interviews indicated ADepT was feasible and acceptable. These findings provide preliminary
support for ADepT as a novel depression treatment. Further evaluation directly comparing ADepT to
existing treatments using randomised controlled trial designs is now required.