DISCOVER, a brief CBT-based self-referral workshop, improves depression and anxiety outcomes in adolescents with clinical-level depression at 12 and 18 months follow-up.
In a secondary analysis of the BESST cluster RCT, adolescents with clinical-level depression who received DISCOVER had significantly higher odds of achieving normal-range symptoms at 12 months (RRR=3.12, 95% CI: 1.48-15.97, p=0.006) and 18 months (RRR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.11-6.24, p=0.029) compared to treatment-as-usual. Small-to-moderate effects were maintained for depression (d=0.44 at 12 months, d=0.30 at 18 months) and anxiety (d=0.38 at 12 months, d=0.30 at 18 months).
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
DISCOVER, a brief CBT-based self-referral workshop, improves depression and anxiety outcomes in adolescents with clinical-level depression at 12 and 18 months follow-up. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 48/100 (low).
The Claim
DISCOVER, a brief CBT-based self-referral workshop, improves depression and anxiety outcomes in adolescents with clinical-level depression at 12 and 18 months follow-up.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adolescents with clinical-level depression at baseline (DISCOVER n=142, TAU n=172) from 900 adolescents in 57 UK schools..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Do all adolescents benefit equally from school-based mental health interventions? A subgroup analysis by depression severity at 12 and 18 months follow-up. (Frontiers in psychiatry, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Adolescents with clinical-level depression self-refer to DISCOVER workshop
- ▸Workshop delivers brief CBT-based techniques
- ▸Participants apply techniques to manage depressive and anxiety symptoms
- ▸Result: Increased odds of achieving normal-range symptoms and sustained small-to-moderate improvements in depression and anxiety
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adolescents with clinical-level depression at baseline (DISCOVER n=142, TAU n=172) from 900 adolescents in 57 UK schools.
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Exploratory secondary analysis, not pre-specified primary outcome
- ▸Subgroup analyses may be underpowered to detect smaller effects
- ▸Reliance on self-report measures (MFQ) for severity categorization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DISCOVER?▼
DISCOVER is a brief CBT-based self-referral workshop for adolescents, delivered in schools, aimed at reducing depression and anxiety symptoms.
How effective is DISCOVER for adolescents with clinical depression?▼
DISCOVER significantly increased the odds of achieving normal-range symptoms at 12 and 18 months, with small-to-moderate effect sizes on depression and anxiety (d=0.30-0.44).
Does DISCOVER work for adolescents with subthreshold depression?▼
No significant benefits on depression were found for subthreshold adolescents, but there was a specific anxiety benefit at 12 months (d=0.34, p=0.004).
What are the long-term effects of DISCOVER?▼
Effects were maintained through 18 months, including through post-school transitions, for those with clinical-level depression.
References
- 1.Duagi D, Carter B, Lisk S, Brown JSL. “Do all adolescents benefit equally from school-based mental health interventions? A subgroup analysis by depression severity at 12 and 18 months follow-up..” Frontiers in psychiatry, 2026. PMID: 42638922 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1826587