Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Children and Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes

Among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness interventions have demonstrated improvement in depression, anxiety, and glycemic control. We assessed whether these treatment modalities have shown usefulness in adolescents with T2D or at risk for T2D.

Data are limited on the use of the abovementioned therapeutic interventions and include only adolescent girls at risk for T2D. CBT was as useful as health education sessions. At 1 year, greater decreases in depression, insulin resistance, and BMI were observed in girls randomized to mindfulness compared with CBT groups. Given the positive outcome of mindfulness intervention in adults and in adolescent girls at risk for T2D, future studies should involve males at risk for T2D, and adolescents diagnosed with T2D. Longer interventions and booster meetings for maintenance should be studied.