Transdiagnostic school-based intervention for adolescents with early persistent psychiatric symptoms: An initial...

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Adolescent psychiatric symptoms are often heterogeneous and transient, necessitating a transdiagnostic approach.
• Current interventions typically focus on specific symptoms, overlooking underlying mechanisms.
• Positive psychological development is crucial for addressing adolescent mental health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the feasibility and effectiveness of Mastermind, a novel transdiagnostic intervention for adolescents.
• To target general underlying mechanisms of psychiatric symptoms in adolescents.
• To promote positive psychological development alongside symptom reduction.

Main Methods:

• A school-based screening identified adolescents with persistent psychiatric symptoms over two years.
• Eligible participants (n=80) received an 8-week Mastermind program with empowerment and attention bias modification.
• Psychiatric symptoms were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• A decrease in negative attention bias, psychotic, anxiety, depression, and behavioral symptoms was observed immediately after the intervention.
• These positive effects on psychiatric symptoms were sustained at the 6-month follow-up.
• Overall risk for psychiatric disorders, distress, and low self-esteem decreased at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• A two-step school-based screening effectively identifies adolescents with persistent psychiatric symptoms.
• The Mastermind transdiagnostic group intervention shows promise in reducing psychiatric symptoms.
• The intervention may enhance self-esteem and lower the risk of developing psychiatric disorders in adolescents.