The Effectiveness of Adolescent-centered Mindfulness Training and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Adolescent Girls With Bipolar II Disorder

Cognitive behavioral therapy has provided the most empirical evidence concerning the treatment of mood disorders, especially depression. However, the findings have not confirmed the definitive efficacy of this treatment so far.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of adolescent-centered mindfulness training with cognitive behavioral therapy on depression and suicidal ideation in adolescent girls with bipolar II disorder.

This was a quasi-experimental with pre-test, post-test design, a control group, and a 45-day follow-up. The study population consisted of all adolescent girls with bipolar II disorder referred to Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan. Using a convenience sampling method, we recruited 45 female patients with depression based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and then randomly divided into one control and two experimental groups (15 patients in each group). The subjects answered the research questionnaires, including depression and suicidal ideation of Beck version II before and after the intervention and 45 days later. One experimental group received Bourdick-based mindfulness training and one experimental group received, and another experimental group received cognitive behavioral therapy.

The results of covariance analysis showed that adolescent-centered mindfulness training and cognitive behavioral therapy were effective in reducing depression tested at post-test (F=64.94; P<0.001) and follow-up (F=28.35; P<0.001). Also, there was a significant effect on suicidal ideation reduction in the post-test (F=84.72; P<0.001) and follow-up (F=45.54; P<0.001). Cognitive-behavioral therapy results have been more effective in reducing both depression and suicidal ideation than adolescent-centered mindfulness training.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has reduced depression and suicidal ideation by challenging negative self-thoughts and dysfunctional core beliefs, as well as changing patterns, and lifestyle.