Pilot mixed-methods evaluation of interpersonal counselling for young people with depressive symptoms in non-specialist services

摘要

Background The majority of young people receive treatment for depressive symptoms in the UK from staff with minimal specialist mental health/ therapeutic training. There is no evidence to guide them as to what treatments are likely to be effective. Interpersonal counselling (IPC) is a reduced form of interpersonal psychotherapy and may be an appropriate treatment to use in this population. Objectives To test the effectiveness and acceptability of IPC delivered by youth workers to young people with primarily depressive symptoms. Methods Youth workers received a 2-day training course in IPC, followed by regular supervision. They delivered IPC to 23 young people who they would normally see in their service, with depressive symptoms as their main problem. Symptoms were assessed by the Revised Child Depression and Anxiety Scale (RCADS).