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COVID-19

Telemedicine Outcomes for Depressed and Suicidal Adolescents: A Comparative Study

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Investigators at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center conducted a study to compare treatment outcomes among adolescents with depression and suicidal tendencies in intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, published in JAACAP Open, found that adolescents who presented for treatment after the pandemic onset reported more severe symptoms at IOP intake than those who presented prior to the pandemic, but their symptoms improved more quickly. The study examined treatment response in an IOP for depressed and suicidal adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and compared response based on IOP delivery modality (ie, in-person vs telehealth).

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that adolescents treated during the pandemic (n = 324) reported increased depression, anxiety, and nonsuicidal self-injury (ps. 006) at intake compared to pre-pandemic patients (n = 828).
  • Adolescents treated in IOPs (n = 855) demonstrated significant improvement over each week in treatment (ps.
  • The study concluded that adolescents treated in IOPs showed similar response to treatment regardless of whether IOP was delivered in person, via telehealth, or in combination.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering community-based IOPs that incorporate evidence-based programming delivered either in person or virtually as a promising treatment option for depressed and suicidal youth.
  • Depressed and suicidal adolescents presenting for IOP after the pandemic onset reported more severe symptoms at IOP intake than those who presented prior to the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • 1,152 adolescents completed validated self-reports throughout treatment.
  • 828 pre-pandemic patients were compared to 324 post-pandemic patients.
  • The study found that 855 adolescents treated in IOPs demonstrated significant improvement over each week in treatment (ps for each week.
  • Adolescents treated during the pandemic reported increased depression (27.1%), anxiety (23.4%), and nonsuicidal self-injury (18.5%) at intake compared to pre-pandemic patients.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data on Telemedicine Described by Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Treatment Outcomes of an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program for Depressed and Suicidal Youth). Telemedicine Week. September 16, 2025; p 536.
  • Treatment Outcomes of an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program for Depressed and Suicidal Youth. JAACAP Open, 2025,3(3):576-588.

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