Case Study: Longitudinal Treatment of Adolescents With Depression and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess longitudinal maintenance of improvements in depression, anxiety, global functioning, and physical health perception in 11 adolescents at 6 and 12 months following completion of manual-based cognitive-behavioral therapy.MethodStandardized instruments assessed follow-up changes in depression, anxiety, physical health, and global psychological functioning.ResultsAt both assessments, 10 adolescents did not meet criteria for mood disorders. Improvements in depression, anxiety, global functioning, and physical health perceptions at completion of the cognitive-behavioral therapy were maintained during the 12-month period. Additional cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions (mean = 4.36; SD = 4.37) and psychopharmacology (n = 5) were required during the follow-up period.ConclusionsCBT with maintenance sessions and medication offers promise to adolescents facing comorbid depressive and physical disorders.