Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Researchers have created a mindfulness therapy designed specifically for teenagers to help address rising rates of depression and mental health challenges. This innovative approach equips young people with tools to identify and manage negative thought patterns that contribute to depression, encouraging them to stay grounded in the present moment.
The programme, known as ATTEND (Adolescents and carers using mindfulness Therapy To END depression), was developed by experts from the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. It takes a family-focused approach, including sessions for parents and guardians, to provide holistic support. The initiative is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Teen depression is a growing concern in the UK, with around 140,000 individuals aged 15–19 affected. Of these, only 35,000 receive treatment, and a significant proportion—14,000—fail to respond, while another 8,000 relapse after initial improvement. Researchers if the study indicated that these statistics underscore the pressing need for more effective, long-lasting interventions.
Professor Tamsin Ford, Head of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, highlighted the gap in support, pointing out that far too many young people struggle with mental health issues but do not get adequate help through the NHS. Even for those who do access services, current treatments fail to work for more than half.
To address this, Professor Ford and colleagues from King’s College London, along with the Universities of Exeter and Surrey, have adapted Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for adolescents and their caregivers. MBCT, a proven intervention recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for adults with recurrent depression, integrates mindfulness techniques with cognitive behavioural strategies to prevent relapse. This newly tailored version aims to make the therapy more engaging and effective for younger audiences.
The new course offers teenagers eight weekly skills-focused sessions, available in person or online, conducted in group settings. As part of the initiative, the ATTEND programme is collaborating with families to develop an app that helps participants practice and strengthen the skills they gain between sessions.
In contrast to standard MBCT, the Mindfulness for Adolescents and Carers programme incorporates sessions for both teenagers and their parents or carers. It also includes more frequent movement breaks, shorter practice periods, snacks, and activities designed specifically with teens in mind.
Professor Patrick Smith, Professor of Clinical Psychology at King’s College London, says “Supporting a teenager with depression can be incredibly challenging for families. Parents often struggle to know how to best help their children. That’s why our course offers separate, parallel training for parents or carers alongside the teens’ sessions.”
Although MBCT is a well-recognized treatment for adults, its suitability for teenagers remains under investigation. The ATTEND program, a comprehensive trial across England, seeks to determine if Mindfulness for Adolescents and Carers offers better outcomes than current NHS treatments for depression.
The study plans to involve 480 teenagers and their parents, with half joining mindfulness sessions and the other half continuing their standard care. Researchers will evaluate factors such as recovery rates, prevention of relapses, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods.
Professor Ford indicated that their primary objective is to assess whether their mindfulness program can support teenagers in overcoming depression and bringing down the likelihood of relapses. Professor Ford further indicated that they are also keen to explore how it might benefit the caregivers.
“Equally importantly, we want to see whether this approach – if effective – could be integrated into NHS services. This would ensure that it’s accessible to many more teenagers who are struggling with their mental health.”
Researchers further pointed out that from the outset, young people and parents with lived experience of depression have played a key role in shaping the ATTEND program. Their contributions have helped ensure the program is family-focused and resonates with both teenagers and their caregivers.
