Mobile-enhanced Group CBT for Adolescents at Risk Severe Mood Disorders

Mobile-enhanced Transdiagnostic Group Treatment for Adolescents at Risk for Severe Mood Disorders

Although cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown efficacy in reducing symptoms and rates of mood relapse in adolescents at high risk for severe mood disorders (SMD; i.e., bipolar I/II disorder and recurrent or unremitting major depression), a significant limitation to the CBT's efficacy is the low rate of participant adherence to the prescribed between-session homework tasks. Mobile health applications have the potential to improve adherence to and acceptance of treatment through embedded treatment content, skill-practice, thought and symptom monitoring, all of which are facilitated by reward contingencies and notifications. This study examines whether a mobile application-enhanced CBT can improve participant adherence and treatment acceptance for adolescents at high risk for SMD.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Meet DSM-5 criteria for at least one past major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, or unspecified bipolar disorder
2. Be 13-17 years old
3. English speaking and able to complete written questionnaires
4. Ability to attend pre-determined group session time(s)
5. Access to a smartphone to engage with the study app
6. Medication usage is acceptable, but not required

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Regular use or current abuse of a psychoactive drug
2. Evidence of behavioral problems that are thought to interfere with group treatment
3. Suicidality that requires more intensive treatment
4. Meeting DSM 5 criteria for bipolar I or II disorder, a psychotic disorder, or significant psychiatric symptoms (e.g., self-injurious behavior) that require more intensive treatment
5. Concurrent participation in cognitive-behavioral therapy
6. Inability to travel to study sessions and assessments