Brief online therapy may potentially reduce mental health problems in young people

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed two brief, low-threshold digital interventions aimed at preventing and reducing mental health problems among adolescents and their parents. A pilot study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that the interventions are well-received and potentially effective for adolescents experiencing mental health issues and their caregivers.

“Waiting lists for mental health care are long, and access to evidence-based treatment for young people with mental health problems varies across the country. Therefore, there is a great need for simple, digital interventions that can be offered within primary care nationwide,” says Johan Bjureberg, Associate Professor at the Center for Psychiatry Research and the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, who led the study.

Reducing maladaptive strategies

Difficulties in managing and regulating emotions, stress, and challenges in relationships and school can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and self-harming behaviors. The study included 30 adolescents aged 12–17 with mild to moderate mental health issues and their parents.

Families were randomly assigned to one of two interventions. The treatments were delivered in a brief digital format, designed to meet primary care requirements for accessibility while also responding to young people’s preference for combining digital content with personal contact with a therapist.

In both interventions, adolescents and parents had weekly contact with a therapist via chat and digital meetings. Additionally, they worked independently with digital materials. One intervention focused specifically on learning about emotions. The other consisted of supportive digital contact and psychoeducation, where the adolescent, with guidance from a therapist, identified strategies for improved well-being.

Parents also appreciated participating in the digital parenting course.

A more extensive study is currently underway.

“The brief online interventions provide easy access to a psychologist via chat and video calls, and actively involve parents. The format proved to be both appreciated and potentially effective, although larger studies are needed. We are currently conducting a comprehensive multicenter trial,” says Katja Sjöblom, doctoral student and psychologist.

The ongoing POET study is open for recruitment across Sweden and will include several hundred families.