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Digital CBT for CYP Depression — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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EasyChild & Adolescent PsychiatryDigital CBT for CYP DepressionMRCPsych Paper B

A 15-year-old girl has mild depression that has continued after 2 weeks of watchful waiting. She has no significant comorbid problems and no active suicidal ideas or plans. According to NICE NG134, which statement about digital cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is correct?

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Correct answer: E — Digital CBT should be offered as one of the initial psychological therapy choices

For a young person aged 12–18 with mild depression continuing after 2 weeks of watchful waiting, and without significant comorbidity or active suicidal ideas or plans, NICE recommends offering a choice of digital CBT, group CBT, group non-directive supportive therapy or group interpersonal psychotherapy for approximately 2–3 months. Digital CBT is therefore an appropriate initial psychological therapy choice. It is not restricted to adults, dependent on prior failure of individual CBT, or reserved for moderate to severe depression. Antidepressant medication is not recommended as the initial treatment for mild depression, so digital CBT does not need to be combined with fluoxetine. NICE does not specify that digital CBT must be guided; indeed, whether supported or unsupported digital CBT is more effective remains uncertain.

Reference: NICE. Depression in children and young people: identification and management (NG134), recommendation 1.5.7, 2019; reviewed May 2024. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng134/chapter/Recommendations