Work

The effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy on mood-related ruminative response style in depressed adolescents

Year: 2008

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A mood-related ruminative response style increases the risk of onset and persistence of depression. This preliminary study investigated whether, in depressed adolescents, cognitive-behaviour therapy reduces mood-related ruminative response style. Whether specific factors within the rumination scale were differentially affected by CBT is also reported. METHODS: 26 depressed adolescents were randomised to receiving serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SSRI) plus psychosocial treatment as usual or SSRI and psychosocial treatment as usual plus CBT. Ruminative response style and depressive symptoms were measured at baseline and after 30 weeks of treatment, with the Responses to Depression Questionnaire and Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. RESULTS: There were significantly greater reductions in ruminations in the CBT group compared to the non-CBT group (p = .002). There was no significant difference in the reduction in self-reported depressive symptoms between the groups. Rumination was reduced to levels of never-depressed controls in adolescents who had recovered from depression and received CBT. There were greater falls in the CBT group in the more pathological 'brooding' factor of rumination. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that adding CBT to SSRI medication in the presence of active clinical care causes a greater reduction in mood-related ruminative response style in depressed adolescents. This may reduce the risk of future relapse. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCNT83809224.

Source: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

DOI: 10.1186/1753-2000-2-3

Authors: Paul O Wilkinson, Ian M Goodyer

Institution: University of Cambridge

Language: English

Topic: Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190