The experience of young people receiving cognitive behavioural therapy for major depression: A qualitative study. Issue 1 (28th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferguson, Natalie; Rice, Simon; Gleeson, John; Davey, Christopher G.; Hetrick, Sarah E.
• Is Part Of: Early intervention in psychiatry. Volume 17:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 47
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2022-03-28
• Subjects: cognitive behavioural therapy -- evidence‐based practice -- intervention -- major depressive disorder -- youth; Mental health -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Research -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Prevention -- Research -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Treatment -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1111/eip.13290
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-7885

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Major depressive disorder (MDD) has far reaching impacts for young people, their families and society. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the first‐line treatments for young people experiencing MDD; however, there is limited research examining how young people with MDD experience CBT. The aim of this study was to explore their experience and their views of this intervention. Methods: We employed a qualitative research design, with semi‐structured interviews and thematic analysis. Eight participants aged between 17 and 24 years who received CBT for MDD in a randomized controlled trial were recruited. Results: Five themes were identified: the importance of relationship with clinician; the range of useful components within CBT; the ability for CBT to accommodate different techniques and presenting issues; the importance of checking in with clients during the process of therapy; and the impacts of MDD on therapy. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of clinicians having a youth friendly and collaborative approach that allows a modular delivery of a range of CBT techniques to suit the client's presenting issue and formulation. There is a need to continually check how young people are responding to interventions, and to be aware of potential cognitive deficits and adjust therapy accordingly. This is a small study that provides insight into how young people with MDD experience CBT and avenues to explore for tailoring provision of CBT to enhance the therapeutic experience for this population.