Evidence-Based Research Practice Project: Mental Health in Adolescents

I. Case Study Presentation and PICO Question

Clinical Problem of Interest: Adolescent Mental Health

Mental health disorders are increasingly recognized as significant public health issues among adolescents. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 1 in 5 adolescents (ages 13-18) experiences a severe mental disorder at some point during their life. The prevalence of anxiety disorders, depression, and behavioral disorders are particularly concerning, with depression being one of the leading causes of disability in this age group.

Case Study

Case Study: Sarah is a 15-year-old high school sophomore who has recently been exhibiting signs of depression and anxiety. She has withdrawn from her friends, lost interest in activities she once enjoyed, and has seen a drop in her academic performance. Her parents report that she often expresses feelings of hopelessness and has difficulty sleeping. Sarah’s clinical symptoms align with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Incidence and Prevalence:

– According to the CDC, the incidence of depression among adolescents has increased significantly over the past decade, with approximately 10% of U.S. adolescents experiencing a depressive episode annually.
– The prevalence of anxiety disorders in adolescents is estimated to be around 31.9%, making it one of the most common mental health issues in this population.

Clinical Significance:
The impact of untreated mental health issues can lead to serious consequences, including academic failure, substance abuse, and increased risk of suicide—the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-24 years.

PICO Question

PICO Format:

– P (Population): Adolescents aged 13-18 with diagnosed anxiety or depression
– I (Intervention): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
– C (Comparison): Standard care without therapy (e.g., medication only)
– O (Outcome): Reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety

PICO Question: In adolescents aged 13-18 with diagnosed anxiety or depression, how does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) compared to standard care without therapy affect the reduction of symptoms?

II. Search for Evidence

Search Strategies

To gather evidence related to adolescent mental health interventions, I employed the following search strategies:

1. Keywords Used:

– “Adolescent mental health”
– “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy”
– “Anxiety disorders in adolescents”
– “Depression in teenagers”
– “CBT effectiveness”

2. Databases Accessed:

– PubMed
– PsycINFO
– CINAHL
– Cochrane Library

Modifications and Refinements

During the initial search, I found a large number of articles; however, many were not relevant to the PICO question. To refine my search:

– I limited results to articles published within the last ten years to ensure relevance.
– I focused on peer-reviewed articles only.
– I included filters for full-text articles to access the complete studies.

After refining my search strategy, I found a total of 35 articles.

Rationale for Selected Studies

From the 35 articles, I selected the following studies based on their relevance to the PICO question and the quality of evidence:

1. Study A: A randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of CBT in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among adolescents.
2. Study B: A systematic review analyzing multiple studies on CBT’s effectiveness compared to standard care in treating adolescent mental health disorders.
3. Study C: A longitudinal study examining long-term outcomes of adolescents who participated in CBT versus those receiving standard treatment.

These studies were selected because they provide evidence on the effectiveness of CBT as an intervention for adolescent mental health issues and directly address the clinical problem identified in the case study.

This project aims to highlight the importance of addressing mental health among adolescents and evaluating effective interventions through evidence-based research practices.