e-space
Manchester Metropolitan University's Research Repository

    Feasibility study of a new behavioural activation programme for young people with depressed mood

    Dubicka, B, Marwedel, S, Banares, S, McCulloch, A, Tahoun, T, Hearn, J ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5988-5278 and Kroll, L (2022) Feasibility study of a new behavioural activation programme for young people with depressed mood. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 27 (2). pp. 131-137. ISSN 1475-357X

    [img]
    Preview
    Accepted Version
    Available under License In Copyright.

    Download (1MB) | Preview

    Abstract

    Background: Behavioural activation (BA) is effective in adults with depression but the evidence for young people (YP) is less clear. We therefore developed and tested a new coproduced BA programme. Method: In phase one (2014 to 2015 inclusive), we codeveloped with young people attending specialist child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) an 8-session BA workbook. In Phase two (2019 to 2020 inclusive), we ran an uncontrolled feasibility study in two specialist CAMHS, with BA being offered to YP by less specialised staff. Results: In phase one, we tested the workbook with 15 YP with depression and other comorbidities. Satisfaction was good from both YP and staff, and 9 YP reported improvement in mood. In phase two, 51 YP were offered BA; 15 declined to take part. 36 consented with three dropping out after consent. 33 YP (mean age 14.6, 12 males, 24 females) continued treatment attending a mean of 6.6 sessions. At the end of treatment, youth-rated Mood and Feeling Questionnaire (MFQ) mean score decreased from 43.2 to 27.6, difference 14.6 (95% CI 8.7 to 20.2; n = 28), and Clinician Global Assessment Score (CGAS) mean score increased from 52.3 to 69.8, difference 18.0 (95% CI 11.9 to 24.2; n = 29). Of the 33 YP who participated in therapy, 12 (36%) recovered and were discharged. Conclusions: This programme demonstrated preliminary evidence for effectiveness and utility. Less specialised staff were able to use BA, and this may reduce secondary waits for more specialist therapy. More research is needed about the role of BA in specialist CAMHS.

    Impact and Reach

    Statistics

    Activity Overview
    6 month trend
    708Downloads
    6 month trend
    223Hits

    Additional statistics for this dataset are available via IRStats2.

    Altmetric

    Repository staff only

    Edit record Edit record