The Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy released a report endorsing the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for preventing depression in youths at risk for this problem. The report covers the results of two well-conducted studies of the intervention.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, as delivered in these interventions, teaches them how to manage their thoughts and feelings so as to prevent depression. The following two paragraphs describe common features of the two interventions; the unique features of each intervention are described in the individual study summaries (i.e. Study 1 and Study 2) that follow thereafter.
In both interventions, the therapy is provided by 1-2 specially-trained masters or doctoral level cognitive therapists to small groups of 6-12 youths. The therapy sessions are provided over the course of 5-8 weeks, for a total of about 15 hours. Sessions teach youths (1) how depression can stem from negative/irrational beliefs about themselves (e.g. “I am a total failure because I failed that test.â€); (2) how to question and replace these beliefs with more constructive interpretations of events in their lives (e.g. “One bad test performance isn’t the end of the world; I will just study harder for the next oneâ€); and (3) how to manage stressful situations (e.g. through planning ahead and creative problem solving). The youths also complete homework assignments, which require them to monitor their thoughts and feelings, and to practice the above coping skills in their everyday lives.
Link to the report.
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Thanks for this post. It can be challenging dealing with troubled teens. A lot of the problems you mentioned should not be taken lightly. Depression is a serious illness that affects adolescents just like it does adults. I’ve found their website to be a useful source of information about treatments for adolescent depression.
I am a Survivor! I too used to struggle with depression, anxiety, and cutting when I was a teenager. They are very common issues in today’s adolescence. In fact, I am now a mental health counselor and have written a book entitled, Chains Be Broken: Finding Freedom from Cutting, Anxiety, Depression, Anorexia, and Suicide. It is my personal story directed to teens who are struggling with mental health issues and parents of these teens. I am posting this because I strongly believe in receiving help for these issues and am hoping my story will be able to help others. You can read a clip from my book on my website at http://www.chainsbebroken.com Please share with anyone you think might be able to benefit. Thank you!
Shannon Rowell,IMH 8482
Mental Health Counselor