Study protocol for Feasibility of an adjunctive INtervention for Debilitating symptom complexes attributed to ticks (FIND) - a randomised, waitlist controlled feasibility trial

Debilitating Symptom Complexes Attributed to Ticks (DSCATT) is a new term for an unexplained Australian syndrome - people who suffer from a chronic, multifaceted and debilitating illness, characteristically attributed to tick bites, but in a country without endemic Lyme disease. Despite the profound morbidity of DSCATT, no single causative agent has been identified and there are no recognised treatments for the illness at present. An increasing body of evidence shows psychological therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be effective in reducing symptom-related disability and improving quality of life for other unexplained syndromes. Here we present a study protocol to assess the feasibility of an ACT-informed intervention for patients suffering from DSCATT, to be used adjunctively to their pre-existing healthcare. The study aims to assess the acceptability, practicality, and demand for the treatment. Additionally, we will examine the effects of therapy on participants’ health and wellbeing, its safety, potential mediators of response to therapy, and its preliminary cost-effectiveness. <br/><br/>