Art Therapy for Adolescents With Depression: Feasibility and Acceptability Study in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Abstract

This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of manual-based phenomenological art therapy (PATd) as an intervention for adolescents with depression in child and adolescent psychiatry. Nine adolescents (13–17 years) underwent a 10-week utilizing the adapted youth version of PATd(y). Self-reported measurements were collected pre, during, and post-treatment. Results indicate adolescents’ acceptance, positive experiences, and satisfaction. The art therapists followed the PATd(y) methodology. Statistically significant improvement in depressive symptoms was observed after intervention. PATd(y) emerges as a promising therapy for adolescents with depression in child psychiatry, but caution is urged due to the limited participants, emphasizing the need for further empirical examination to fully understand the effects of PATd on adolescent depression.