Behavioural Psychotherapy
- Behavioural Psychotherapy / Volume 20 / Issue 01 / January 1992, pp 73-78
- Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1992
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0141347300016359 (About DOI), Published online: 16 June 2009
Clinical Section
The Impact of Three Gross Irn Bru on an Out-Patient Clinic for Depressed Men
Jacqueline M. Atkinsona1 and Denise A. Coiaa2
a1 University of Glasgow
a2 Florence Street Day Hospital, Glasgow
Using an ABA design, the impact of the unexpected delivery of Irn Bru to an out-patient clinic for depressed men was investigated using the Montgomery-Åsberg scale for depression. A significant improvement in both behaviour and affect was seen immediately, some benefit still showing at one month follow-up. The effect of the procedure on the multidisciplinary team is also discussed. Some methodological issues, including small sample size are explored. Despite the methodological problems the serious element of the study points to the important impact of unexpected, non-therapeutic elements on clinical behaviour, possibly as a result of the challenge to the therapist-patient relationship.
Footnotes
Reprint requests to Dr Jacqueline M. Atkinson, Senior Lecturer in Behavioural Science, Behavioural Sciences Group, University of Glasgow, 4 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK.
