The people with Asperger Syndrome and anxiety disorders (PAsSA) Trial: A pilot multi-centre single blind randomised trial of group cognitive-behavioural therapy

Background: There is a growing interest in using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with people who have Asperger Syndrome (AS) and comorbid mental health problems.

Aims: To examine whether modified group CBT for clinically significant anxiety in an AS population is feasible and likely to be efficacious.

Method: Using a randomised assessor-blind trial, 52 individuals with AS were randomised into a treatment arm or a waiting-list control arm. After 24 weeks, those in the waiting-list control arm received treatment, while those initially randomised to treatment were followed-up for 24 weeks.

Results: The conversion rate for this trial was high (1.6:1), while attrition was 13%. After 24 weeks, there was no significant difference between those randomised to the treatment arm compared to those randomised to the waiting-list control arm on the primary outcome measure, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety.

Conclusions: Trials of psychological therapies with this population are feasible. Larger definitive trials are now needed.

Declaration of Interest: None

Trial Registration: ISRCTN 30265294 (DOI: 10.1186/ISRCTN30265294), UKCRN 8370