Smith - CBT for depression

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To test the efficacy of Stressbusters, a Computerised-CBT (C-CBT) programme for depression in young people

Question 2

participants

Answer 2

Multi-site school based, 112 aged 12 - 16 with symptoms of depression

Question 3

intro

Answer 3

depreeion is an issue in adolescents, randomised control trial took place. C-CBT shoul be effective for adolescents as more accessible etc and they are familiar with technology

Question 4

measures used

Answer 4

the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire-Child Report, MFQ-C, rated on a 3-point scale.

Parent-completed parallel versions of the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ-P, Angold et al. 2002), and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders

Teachers completed Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ, Goodman, 2001). The SDQ measures emotional and behavioural problems in young people, and their impact and burden

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

Relative to being on a Waiting List, C-CBT was associated with statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety according to adolescent self-report; and with a trend towards improvements in depression and anxiety according to parent-report. Improvements were maintained at follow-up. Treatment gains were similar for boys and girls across the participating age range. Treatment effect was partially mediated by changes in ruminative thinking. Teachers rated adolescents as having few emotional or behavioural problems, both before and after intervention. C-CBT had no detectable effect on academic attainment. In the month after intervention, young people who received C-CBT had significantly fewer absences from school than those on the Waiting List.

Question 6

conclusions

Answer 6

C-CBT shows considerable promise for the treatment of mild-moderate depression in adolescents