Adapting Behavioral Activation for Depressed Adolescents (1 CE)

Course overview

Depression during adolescence is a public health concern that is linked with an increased risk of impaired academic performance, poor peer and family relationships, substance abuse, and suicidality. This study aimed to examine implementation feasibility and initial treatment outcomes of behavioral activation based treatment for adolescent depression. The results of this study revealed statistically significant improvement from pre- to end of treatment in depression, global functioning and activation, and avoidance. This research provides a first step in establishing the efficacy of BA in the treatment of adolescent depression, as well as the need for ongoing research on BA as a way to enhance the strategies available for the treatment of depression in the youth population.