The effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on suicidal thoughts and interleukin-6 levels in depressed adolescents.

Summary

A promising therapy significantly reduces suicidal thoughts in adolescents. Researchers explored if Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) added to standard care (TAU) helped depressed youth. MBCT notably reduced suicidal thoughts, improved depressive symptoms, and significantly lowered IL-6, an inflammatory marker. This highlights MBCT's effective, safe role in supporting adolescent mental health.

Abstract

Suicide is the leading cause of death among adolescents worldwide and has serious implications for socio-economic development. Some studies have found that suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts are more likely to occur in adolescents with depression. In depressed adolescents, cognitive function is often significantly impaired. The cognitive function of depressed adolescents is mainly characterized by the following aspects: first, the executive function is impaired; Executive function refers to the ability of individuals to control and regulate cognitive processes when completing complex tasks, including cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, working memory and many other aspects. Then there are attention disorders; Difficulty in concentrating and maintaining attention is one of the common cognitive problems in depressed adolescents. In addition, it is accompanied by severe memory loss. Because drug treatment is often accompanied by some side effects and lead to poor compliance, psychological treatment is an important part of the treatment of depression in adolescents, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the more widely used and effective methods. CBT alleviates depressive symptoms by helping patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, while also positively improving cognitive function. Studies have shown that depressed adolescents who receive CBT experience significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control in executive function, as well as improved attention and memory. As a comprehensive psychological intervention, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) derived from CBT deserves further study on its potential impact on cognitive function. Some studies have tentatively shown that MBCT may improve cognitive flexibility and attentional regulation in depressed patients by regulating neural activity in the brain. However, there are still relatively few studies on the effects of MBCT on cognitive function in adolescents with depression, and systematic evaluations are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of MBCT adjuvant therapy on adolescent depression. In addition, the occurrence and development of depression and its resulting cognitive dysfunction are related to neurological function factors. IL-6, MBP and NSE are all specific serum markers of central nervous system damage, and abnormal levels of them can lead to emotional abnormalities. IL-6 may be involved in the development of cognitive impairment by influencing neurotransmitter metabolism, neuroplasticity and other mechanisms. Based on the above background, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MBCT on cognitive function and serum IL-6 expression in adolescents with depression. The specific research hypothesis is as follows: First, the performance of adolescents with depression who receive MBCT intervention in cognitive function test will be significantly better than that of the control group; Second, after MBCT intervention, the level of IL-6 in patients will be reduced, and the change of IL-6 level is associated with the improvement of cognitive function. Third, although the MBCT treatment group has some limitations, it can still effectively detect the overall impact of MBCT on cognitive function. Through this study, we hope to provide more in-depth theoretical basis and practical guidance for the application of MBCT in the treatment of adolescent depression. A total of 183 adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder participated in this randomized controlled trial. The participants were assigned to either the group receiving MBCT in addition to standard therapy (TAU) (n = 95) or the group that received only TAU (n = 88). Evaluations of depressive symptoms, thoughts of suicide, and cognitive function were conducted at baseline (prior to MBCT) as well as at 4 and 8 weeks following the MBCT intervention. Baseline serum levels of IL-6 were analyzed using ELISA techniques. The MBCT group demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in suicidal thoughts from the conclusion of treatment to eight weeks afterward in contrast to the control group. Additionally, improvements in depressive symptoms were observed. Furthermore, levels of IL-6 were significantly reduced in those receiving MBCT compared to the control group. The results of our study indicate that MBCT is both effective and safe for reducing suicidal thoughts, alleviating depressive symptoms, and lowering serum IL-6 levels in adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

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