A new family-centered approach to mental health support is now available.
Researchers are revolutionizing the fight against depression in teenagers by teaching them mindfulness techniques to be present, breathe, and break free from negative thoughts.
Addressing Treatment Gaps in Teenage Depression
Depression is a significant issue among teenagers in the United Kingdom, with around 140,000 young people aged 15 to 19 affected. However, only a fraction of them receive treatment. Among those who do receive treatment, many do not respond effectively, leading to relapses and ongoing struggles with depression.
Tailoring Approaches to Teenage Needs
Teens have different developmental processes, emotional management capabilities, and social interactions compared to adults. Therefore, mindfulness therapy needs to be tailored to meet the specific needs of teenagers, according to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist based in New York City.
Family involvement plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of therapy by providing teens with a strong support system. Adjustments to the therapy are made to ensure that it is sustainable, practical, and beneficial for teenagers.
Researchers have adapted mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), a recommended form of psychotherapy for adults with recurrent depression, to make it more engaging and effective for a younger audience.
Parentsâ Active Role in Treatment
The ATTEND program consists of eight weekly skills-based sessions offered in both in-person and online group settings. Unlike traditional MBCT, the program includes parallel sessions for teenagers and their parents or caregivers, incorporating movement breaks, shorter sessions, snacks, and activities tailored to appeal to teenagers.
Research Goals and Participant Recruitment
The ATTEND initiative is a large-scale trial across England to evaluate the effectiveness of the mindfulness program compared to current NHS treatments for depression, which typically include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication.
The research team aims to recruit 480 teenagers and their parents, with half participating in the mindfulness groups and the other half receiving standard care. The study will assess recovery rates, relapse prevention, and cost-effectiveness.
âOur primary goal is to determine if the mindfulness course can help teenagers recover from low mood or depression and prevent relapses. Additionally, we are interested in the benefits it may offer to their caregivers,â stated Professor Ford. The research aims to explore the integration of this approach into NHS services to make mental health support more accessible to teenagers.
âEarly intervention can prevent future suffering,â said Kat Nellist, a mental health advocate and contributor to the ATTEND program. She stressed the importance of considering young peopleâs feelings and providing tailored interventions to meet their specific needs.
Mindfulness therapy for adolescents not only addresses immediate mental health issues but also helps develop self-awareness and coping skills essential for emotional well-being. âMindfulness is a versatile tool for promoting mental and physical health,â noted Dr. Hafeez.
