Objective: To 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.
Method: Standardized instruments assessed follow-up changes in depression, anxiety, physical health, and global psychological functioning.
Results: At 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.
Conclusions: CBT with maintenance sessions and medication offers promise to adolescents facing comorbid depressive and physical disorders.