Behavioral activation for major depression in adolescents: Results from a pilot study.

Abstract

This study evaluated the treatment effects of Behavioral Activation (BA) on adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). A total of 28 adolescents (M age = 15.43) participated in this 18-week study. Semi-structured diagnostic interviews were used to determine depression status. Multiple informant methods (participants, parents, therapists, independent assessors) evaluated clinical change. Assessments were conducted at baseline, midpoint, end of treatment, and 3-and 6-month follow-ups. Results suggested that BA was an effective treatment for depressed adolescents. At the end of treatment, 90.9% of completers no longer met criteria for MDD, with 54.5% classified as fully remitted, 36.4% classified as responders, and only 9.1% classified as nonresponders. Follow-up assessments indicated that treatment effects were sustained. Conclusions and future directions are discussed.

Modular, scalable, and personalized: Priorities for behavioral interventions for adolescent depression.

“…The findings of Ritschel et al. (), and our own work, suggest that BA is an important empirically supported option for depressed adolescents; however, it is equally clear that the problem of depression among adolescents is far from “solved.” Returning to basic research on the psychopathology of depression among adolescents may be instructive in an effort to refine available interventions, including BA.…”

“…In summary, the work of Ritschel et al. () contributes valuable data that support the promise of BA as a treatment option for depressed adolescents and highlights key directions for future work. Specifically, their study underscores the importance of clinical research and service delivery that prioritizes modular, scalable, and personalized approaches to care.…”

Can less yield more? Behavioral activation for adolescent depression.

“…

The report by Ritschel et al (2016) demonstrates that Behavioral Activation (BA) has significant promise as an effective intervention for adolescent major depression.At a minimum, confirmation of this finding in controlled trials would increase the available treatments for depression in young people. BA may also be more attractive to adolescents, especially younger adolescents, than models of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) that place greater emphasis on cognitive change.

…”

“…The report by Ritschel et al (2016) demonstrates that Behavioral Activation (BA) has significant promise as an effective intervention for adolescent major depression.…”

“…For that reason, the adaptation and use of Behavioral Activation (BA) with depressed adolescents, demonstrated in the accompanying article by Ritschel, Ramirez, Cooley, and Craighead (2015), is an important milestone. Ritschel et al (2016) recruited 28 adolescents with major depressive disorder and currently elevated depressive symptoms, and treated them with a sixphase Behavioral Activation protocol, including "getting active," goal setting, problem solving, repeated practice, and relapse prevention. Adolescents could attend up to 22 sessions in 18 weeks, and the average number of attended sessions was 14.45.…”