Introduction
Adolescent depression is a significant mental health concern, with a lifetime prevalence of 11.4% (Alaie et al., 2019). Traditional face-to-face therapies, while effective, are not always accessible to all adolescents. The ERiCA study, a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial, compares Internet-based Psychodynamic Therapy (IPDT) and Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) to determine their efficacy in treating adolescent depression. This blog explores how practitioners can leverage the findings from this study to enhance their therapeutic approaches and outcomes.
Key Findings from the ERiCA Study
The ERiCA study aimed to evaluate whether IPDT is non-inferior to ICBT in reducing depressive symptoms among adolescents aged 15-19 years. The study's primary outcome measure was the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology in Adolescents Self-Rated (QIDS-A17-SR). Secondary outcomes included anxiety symptoms, emotion regulation, and self-compassion.
The study found that both IPDT and ICBT were effective in reducing depressive symptoms, with IPDT demonstrating non-inferiority to ICBT. This suggests that IPDT can be a viable alternative to ICBT, providing more options for adolescents and their caregivers.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can draw several actionable insights from the ERiCA study:
- Diversify Treatment Options: Given the non-inferiority of IPDT to ICBT, practitioners can confidently offer IPDT as an alternative to ICBT. This diversification can help meet the unique needs and preferences of different adolescents.
- Enhance Accessibility: Internet-based therapies can significantly increase accessibility, especially for adolescents who may face barriers to attending in-person sessions. Schools and clinics can integrate these online therapies to reach a broader audience.
- Monitor Progress: The study utilized weekly assessments to track progress. Practitioners should consider incorporating regular, structured assessments to monitor treatment efficacy and make data-driven adjustments as needed.
- Focus on Emotional Regulation: Both therapies showed improvements in emotion regulation. Practitioners should emphasize emotional regulation skills in their therapeutic approaches, as these skills are crucial for managing depressive symptoms.
Encouraging Further Research
While the ERiCA study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in or support additional studies to explore:
- Long-term Outcomes: The ERiCA study includes a follow-up period of up to one year. Further research should examine the long-term sustainability of treatment effects beyond this period.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Additional studies should evaluate the cost-effectiveness of IPDT and ICBT to inform healthcare policy and funding decisions.
- Personalized Treatment: Investigating predictors, moderators, and mediators of treatment outcomes can help tailor therapies to individual needs, enhancing overall efficacy.
Conclusion
The ERiCA study underscores the potential of Internet-based therapies in treating adolescent depression. By incorporating these findings into practice, speech-language pathologists and other mental health professionals can enhance their therapeutic approaches, ultimately leading to better outcomes for adolescents. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Internet-based psychodynamic versus cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescents with depression: study protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (the ERiCA study).
