F067 Remotely-delivered guided self-help for anxiety among Huntington’s disease gene expansion carriers (GUIDE-HD): preliminary results from a randomised controlled feasibility trial

<h3>Background</h3> For Huntington’s Disease (HD) gene expansion carriers, anxiety is a common experience and is associated with worsened HD symptoms, lower quality of life and increased suicidality. Despite anxiety being a clinical priority, no evidence-based accessible psychological intervention is currently available. <h3>Aim</h3> To adapt the well-evidenced methods of guided self-help for anxiety, to meet the specific experiences of HD gene expansion carriers and assess the feasibility of trialling this remotely-delivered intervention. <h3>Methods</h3> The GUIDE-HD intervention was developed to combine cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in a 10-week programme of weekly 1:1 sessions and workbooks, with optional supplementary carer sessions. Through UK National Health Service clinics and the Huntington’s Disease Association, 25 participants were recruited (22 HD participants, and 3 carers). Following eligibility screening, HD participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group or treatment as usual, with follow-ups post intervention, then at 3 months and 6 months. <h3>Results</h3> Preliminary results from this ongoing trial include reaching 80% of the recruitment target (estimated 52% recruitment rate from those approached). The GUIDE-HD intervention group retention rate was 91% for the 10-week programme, and 100% of those who completed it rated it as mostly or extremely acceptable. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Preliminary results indicate that guided self-help for anxiety when adapted for HD may be a relevant and acceptable intervention. This has improved our understanding of recruitment issues for psychological intervention trials, the importance of meaningful public and patient involvement and the provision of remotely-delivered interventions, which will all help inform a future larger trial.