SerTRaline for AnxieTy in adults with a diagnosis of Autism. A randomised controlled trial (STRATA)

The STRATA study aims to find out whether the medication sertralineLink opens in a new window is an effective treatment for anxiety in adults with a diagnosis of autism. We are interested to see whether sertraline reduces symptoms of anxiety, enhances quality of life, and is effective in the longer term.

We are also interested in understanding side effects of the treatment, what people think about being invited to the study, and their experiences of taking part in it.

Anxiety is common in autistic adults and many find it to be very disabling. Medications like sertraline are commonly prescribed for anxiety in autistic adults but whether they work, and what their side effects are in the autistic population is not well known. Although such medications are well studied in the non-autistic population, those research findings may not apply to autistic adults.

It is important that any medication prescribed to autistic adults is based on research evidence. Better research into interventions for mental health conditions in autistic people was recently identified as the “number one priority” by autistic people and other stakeholders. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) identified this area as a major gap in the evidence and funded this study.

This study will be the largest of its kind and will therefore provide evidence to inform whether sertraline has a role in managing anxiety in autistic adults. STRATA has been designed by experienced researchers and clinicians, with the help of an advisory group of five autistic adultsLink opens in a new window.

We are actively recruiting across the East and West Midlands. If you live anywhere in England you can take part in this project.

If you are interested in taking part, you can express your interest hereLink opens in a new window, or read more first hereLink opens in a new window

Full and detailed information about this study is available here: https://strata.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/