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Brief Behavioural Activation (Brief BA) for Adolescent Depression: A Pilot Study.
Laura Pass1, Carl W Lejuez2, Shirley Reynolds1
1Charlie Waller Institute,School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences,University of Reading,UK.
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
|August 1, 2017
Summary
Brief Behavioural Activation (Brief BA) shows promise for adolescent depression treatment. This pilot study found it feasible, acceptable, and effective, with a large effect size in a UK sample.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Adolescent Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Adolescent depression is a significant mental health issue with limited access to evidence-based psychological treatments in the UK.
- Existing treatments are costly due to therapist training and employment expenses.
- Brief Behavioural Activation for Depression (BATD) offers potential for adolescents but requires more research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt BATD for depressed adolescents, termed Brief BA.
- To conduct a pilot study assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical effectiveness of Brief BA.
Main Methods:
- Twenty adolescents with depression, referred to CAMHs, received eight sessions of Brief BA.
- Follow-up review occurred approximately one month post-treatment.
- Self- and parent-reported routine outcome measures were collected throughout the sessions.
Main Results:
- High engagement with 19 out of 20 adolescents fully participating.
- All participants found aspects of Brief BA helpful.
- Sixty-five percent (13/20) required no further psychological intervention; high acceptability and satisfaction reported by adolescents and parents, with a large pre-post effect size.
Conclusions:
- Brief BA is a promising intervention for adolescent depression.
- Further evaluation is needed to confirm effectiveness and cost-effectiveness against current treatments.
- Additional research should explore delivery in diverse settings and by various healthcare professionals.
