Computerized CBT for adolescent depression ("Stressbusters") and its initial evaluation through an extended case series.
BACKGROUND
"Stressbusters" is an interactive computer software programme based on a clinically effective face-to-face CBT protocol for young people with depression. It was designed for teenagers with mild to moderate depression, and comprises eight 45-minute sessions.


METHODS
Twenty-three young people (aged 12-16; mean age 14.87 years) with symptoms of depression were recruited from CAMHS teams in Manchester and London, and received the Stressbusters treatment (range 1 - 8 sessions, mode 8 sessions).


RESULTS
On the K-SADS at initial assessment, 95% met diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder, with a high group mean score of 35.48 (SD 9.84) on the MFQ. Post-treatment, 22% of young people met criteria for a depressive disorder, with the group mean score on the MFQ falling significantly below clinical cut-off to 20.32 (SD 11.75). These gains were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Significant improvements were also found in the adolescents' global functioning (CGAS), self-reported anxiety (RCMAS), depressive cognitions and attributions (ATQ and CTI-C), and in adolescent- and parent-reported emotional and behavioural difficulties (SDQ).


CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, these results provide promising preliminary data for the clinical efficacy of Stressbusters as a valid form of CCBT for adolescents with depression.
Abeles
Paul
P
Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospital NHS Trust, UK. paul.abeles@cmmc.nhs.uk
Verduyn
Chrissie
C
Robinson
Alexander
A
Smith
Patrick
P
Yule
William
W
Proudfoot
Judy
J
D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012919:Social Behavior; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted