Potential mediators of cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescents with comorbid major depression and conduct disorder.
Several possible mediators of a group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depressed adolescents were examined. Six measures specific to CBT (e.g., negative cognitions, engagement in pleasurable activities) and 2 nonspecific measures (therapeutic alliance, group cohesion) were examined in 93 adolescents with comorbid major depressive disorder and conduct disorder who were randomly assigned to the Adolescent Coping With Depression (CWD-A) course or a life skills control condition. Change on the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (S. D. Hollon & P. C. Kendall, 1980) appeared to mediate treatment effects on depressive symptoms. Therapeutic alliance by the 3rd session was higher among the CWD-A participants but did not predict reductions in depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that reducing negative thinking may be the primary mechanism through which the CWD-A intervention reduces depression.
Kaufman
Noah K
NK
Medico Psychological Services, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA. noahk@zianet.com
Rohde
Paul
P
Seeley
John R
JR
Clarke
Gregory N
GN
Stice
Eric
E
D000293:Adolescent; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D016896:Treatment Outcome