Acceptability, safety and perceived impact of providing a fact sheet to young people about cognitive symptoms in depression

Cognitive deficits are common in young people, aged 15-25, with depression. Nevertheless, these symptoms are not routinely addressed in clinical care. This study examined the acceptability, safety, and reported impact on cognitive knowledge and strategy use, of a newly developed fact sheet (Thinking about Thinking Skills in Depression) for young people with depression.

Twenty-three participants, aged 15-25 years old (M = 19.6, SD = 3.2), receiving community-based treatment for a depressive disorder were delivered the fact sheet by their case manager and completed pre- and post-assessments conducted 3 weeks apart. Primary outcomes included: acceptability, safety, subjective distress, knowledge of cognition and use of, and confidence in using, cognitive strategies. Exploratory outcomes included depression symptoms, perceived cognitive difficulties, self-efficacy and self-esteem. Case manager perspectives were obtained using an anonymous online survey.

Participant experiences of the fact sheet were favourable. Most reported that the amount of content provided was appropriate (91%), looked at the fact sheet again after receiving it (83%), and tried at least one strategy (57%). Participants reported significant improvements in their knowledge of cognitive difficulties and a greater use of, and confidence in using, cognitive strategies. Distress did not change following fact sheet delivery, supporting safety. Perceived improvements in depression symptoms and cognitive deficits, but not self-esteem or self-efficacy, were revealed. Case manager perspectives were also positive.

Written fact sheet resources are an acceptable, safe and pragmatic method of delivering information about cognitive difficulties to young people with depression.