Cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescents undergoing suicidal thoughts

Abstract

Background: Self-harm within adolescents has continued to rise over the years with the onset mean of 13 years of age (Gillies, 2018). Antidepressants and use of therapies are the main treatment for depression and self-harm, depending on the severity. This dissertation attempts to identify the impacts of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) compared with antidepressants and other therapies on suicidal adolescents. Research Question and PICO Elements: ‘Is nurse-led CBT effective amongst adolescence suffering from suicidal thoughts?’. Population was made up of adolescence both men and women suffering any type of self-harm (P). The intervention(I) CBT was compared (C) with other treatment such as antidepressants and therapies. The outcome (O) was to minimise suicidal thoughts and self-harm. Method: Applicable literature was extracted from four separate databases (HyDi, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCO) by utilizing keywords, synonyms, Boolean operators, and limiters as applicable. Eligibility criteria consisted of peer-reviewed literature, all had to be published in English and within the last ten years, full text and comprising all PICO aspects, as well as research design. The PRISMA checklist assisted in identifying relevant publications. 4 key studies were chosen, 2 meta-analyses, 1 systematic review and 1 randomised controlled trial. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools was used as a guideline to critically appraise the studies. Results and Conclusion: The studies had inconsistent results, due to a number of factors. However, one study portrayed positive feedback when using iCBT. The results concluded that further research should be carried out regarding this topic. Implications and Recommendations: Emphasising on increasing awareness regarding CBT helps patients to be more at ease and compliant with such treatment. Additionally, providing guidelines to the multidisciplinary team especially nurses how and when to conduct CBT.