New support for depressed adolescents
New training can reduce low mood or depression symptoms in young people aged 12 to 18 years.
Brief Behavioural Activation for Depressed Adolescents (Brief BA) focuses on helping young people develop different patterns of behaviour, undertaking valued activities every day to help them break out of a vicious cycle to start to feel better and to increase self-esteem and well-being.
Evaluation of the pilot has demonstrated significant improvements in depression symptoms, day to day functioning, global functioning, and activation and avoidance. Practitioners have reported a significant increase in confidence and knowledge.
Brief BA was identified as being particularly appropriate as a response to the negative impact of loss of valued activity due to COVID.
Brief BA is offered through several routes:
- one year development plan for new clinicians in CAMHS
- Enhanced Psychological Practice – Children and Young People Programme (EPP-CYP)
- MSc Applied Psychology for Children and Young People
- Training in Psychological Skills- Early Intervention for Children (TIPS-EIC)
- NHS Scotland CAMHS Services
A version for adults is also available.
February, 28 2024