A Multi-Family Group Intervention for Adolescent Depression: The BEST MOOD Program

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Family Therapy

Background:

• Adolescent depression is a prevalent mental health disorder linked to adverse outcomes like academic underachievement and suicidality.
• Existing therapies for adolescent depression often overlook crucial family and contextual influences.
• Integrating family dynamics into treatment may significantly improve intervention efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe the Behaviour Exchange Systems Therapy for adolescent depression (BEST MOOD) program.
• To outline the theoretical underpinnings, session structure, and preliminary evaluations of BEST MOOD.
• To demonstrate the application of BEST MOOD through a case study.

Main Methods:

• BEST MOOD is a manualized, eight-session multifamily group therapy intervention.
• It integrates a family systems approach with psychoeducation and attachment theory principles.
• Parents attend the initial four sessions, with adolescents and siblings joining from session five.

Main Results:

• The program is designed to engage treatment-resistant adolescents.
• It aims to optimize mental health outcomes for both adolescents and their families.
• Preliminary evaluations and a case study illustrate the approach's potential.

Conclusions:

• BEST MOOD offers a structured, family-centered approach to adolescent depression treatment.
• By addressing individual and systemic factors, it seeks to improve engagement and outcomes.
• This multifamily group therapy model shows promise for enhancing adolescent mental health interventions.