Cognitive behavioural therapy skills training for adolescent depression.

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• General Practice
• Mental Health Services Research

Background:

• Adolescent depression management primarily occurs in primary care.
• Barriers in general practice hinder detection, assessment, and treatment of youth depression.
• The 'Time for a Future' project established 'The Clockwork Young People's Health Service' to address these barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe Stage 2 of the 'Time for a Future' project.
• To detail the training of general practitioners (GPs) and other practitioners in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skills within the 'Clockwork' service.

Main Methods:

• Training community and 'Clockwork' GPs in CBT skills.
• Implementing the 'Clockwork' model to overcome structural barriers in primary care.
• Evaluating changes in GPs' confidence in detecting, assessing, and treating adolescent depression.

Main Results:

• The CBT training program was positively received by 68 GPs.
• Participants reported significant increases in confidence regarding adolescent depression management.
• The 'Clockwork' model, combined with training, demonstrated potential for improved outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Training GPs in CBT is effective in enhancing their capacity to manage adolescent depression.
• Addressing both practical and perceived barriers is crucial for optimizing youth mental health services.
• The 'Clockwork' model offers a viable approach to overcoming systemic challenges in primary care for adolescent mental health.