Process Evaluation of an Early-Intervention Program for Mood and Anxiety Disorders Among Older Adolescents and Young Adults

Psychiatr Serv. 2015 Oct;66(10):1113-7. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.201400256. Epub 2015 Jun 1.

Abstract

Objective: Research to determine the best approach for providing early intervention for mood and anxiety disorders is imperative. The authors describe a process evaluation of an early-intervention program for transition-age youths with mood or anxiety disorders.

Methods: Causal and logic models for pathways to care for the program, as well as descriptive data from 548 participating youths, are presented. Follow-up measures of functional improvement are reported.

Results: Diagnostic characterization, symptom severity, and functional impairment of participants indicated that the model selected an appropriate catchment population without creating excessive overinclusion. Self-referred youths reported greater anxiety and substance use. Acceptance by the program was predictive of greater follow-through with treatment. Several variables, including frequent lifetime marijuana use, predicted loss to follow-up. At follow-up, youths were significantly functionally improved.

Conclusions: This process evaluation indicated that the model provided appropriate early intervention for youths with mood or anxiety disorders without causing excessive overinclusion.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy*
  • Early Medical Intervention / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mood Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mood Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mood Disorders / therapy*
  • Process Assessment, Health Care*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Young Adult