Mind-Body Skills Groups for Adolescents with Depression in Primary Care: A Pilot Study
Aalsma, M. C., Jones, L. D., Staples, J. K., Garabrant, J. M., Gordon, J. S., Cyr, L. R., & Salyers, M. P.
2020
A mind-body skills group (MBSG) program was evaluated to determine its acceptability and preliminary effectiveness for the treatment of depression in adolescents in a primary care setting.
Introduction
The objective of this study was to determine the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of Mind-Body Skills Groups (MBSGs) as a treatment for depressed adolescents in primary care.
Method
A single-arm clinical trial was conducted. A 10-week MBSG program was implemented in primary care. Participants completed self-report measures at baseline, postintervention, and 3 months following the MBSGs. Measures included the Children’s Depression Inventory-2, Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Self-Efficacy for Depressed Adolescents, rumination subscale of the Children’s Response Style Questionnaire, and a short acceptability questionnaire.
Results
Participants included 43 adolescents. The total depression scores significantly improved following the MBSG intervention and continued to improve significantly from posttreatment to follow-up. Mindfulness, self-efficacy, rumination, and suicidal ideation all had significant improvement following the intervention. Acceptability of the program was strong, and attendance was excellent.
Discussion
Preliminary evidence suggests that MBSGs are an acceptable treatment for primary care settings and lead to improved depression symptoms in adolescents.
Mind-Body Skills Groups for Adolescents
Cyr, L. R., & Farah, K.
2004
A review of the use of mind-body skills, including biofeedback, hypnosis, guided imagery, meditation, music, and movement, for treatment of stress-related conditions in adolescents.
Chronic illness provides a significant morbidity in children and their families. Many children and teens with chronic illness experience concurrent emotional and behavioral challenges that are mediated by the stress response. This article reviews the use of mind-body skills, including biofeedback, hypnosis, guided imagery, meditation, music, and movement, for treatment of these stress-related conditions. We outline the use of the model taught by James Gordon, MD, and the Center for Mind-Body Medicine as we have integrated it into groups of teens with diagnoses including cancer, anxiety, headaches, abdominal pain, inflammatory bowel dis- ease, and chronic pain syndrome.
Currently being Prepared for Publication:
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