Using a Text-message System to Engage Depressed Adolescents in Cognitive-behavioral Therapy Homework

Using a Text-message System to Engage Depressed Adolescents in Cognitive-behavioral Therapy Homework.

The primary goal of the pilot is to test the feasibility and utility of using a text-messaging system to engage adolescents in improved homework adherence during cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for major depressive disorder.

Adolescent major depressive disorder leads to recurrent episodes, increased rates of attempted and completed suicides, and persistent social impairment between episodes (Weissman et al 1999). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an accepted first-line therapy for mild-moderate depression in adolescents. Integral to CBT is "homework" as it enhances mastery of newly learned coping strategies, facilitates generalization of skills to novel situations, increases self-efficacy, and ultimately reduces vulnerability to relapse (Detweiler et al 1999). Adherence to homework is a recognized problem in adults, and is similarly problematic in adolescents. One method of implementing CBT homework in a manner that is centric to current youth culture is through text messaging. By using a modern modality that many adolescents rely on for daily communication, there is the likelihood that they will find it more engaging than traditional modalities. Thus the potential that a text message system can help improve homework compliance in adolescents is significant, because improved homework adherence may ultimately be linked to improved clinical outcomes for these disorders with high rates of chronic morbidity and mortality.

Homework will be standardized through the use of Judith Beck's dysfunctional thought record (DTR), which is a primary tool for patients to evaluate and respond in writing to their automatic thoughts (Beck 126). The homework will be done on a preprinted form which is assigned weekly and reviewed with their therapists at weekly sessions for 4 weeks.

Homework will be standardized through the use of Judith Beck's dysfunctional thought record (DTR), which is a primary tool for patients to evaluate and respond in writing to their automatic thoughts (Beck 126). The novel text-messaging system allows homework to be submitted directly through an adolescent's cellular phone, includes text-messaged homework reminder prompts, and collates all homework for therapists to review with patients during therapy sessions. This is assigned and reviewed weekly for 4 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria: major depressive disorder own a cellular phone with text messaging capabilities Exclusion Criteria: history of psychosis history of mental retardation active suicidal ideation or intent