Depressive symptoms in a trial behavioral family systems therapy for diabetes: A post Hoc analysis of change

OBJECTIVE The objective was to test whether Behavioral Family Systems Therapy for Diabetes (BFST-D), an evidence-based family therapy, produces individual changes in depressive symptoms for adolescents with type 1 diabetes in suboptimal glycemic control (HbA_1c ≥9.0% [≥74.9 mmol/mol]). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data were from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing two modes of BFST-D delivery: in clinic versus Internet videoconferencing. There were no significant differences between groups in the RCT, so groups were collapsed into a within-group prepost design for secondary analyses. A multiple regression analysis was performed to test for mediation of treatment outcomes by changes in family processes. RESULTS Significant improvements in glycemic control, depressive symptoms, and family functioning were found frompre- to posttreatment. Amultiple regression analysis for within-subject mediation indicated that improvements in depressive symptoms were partially mediated by improvements in parent-youth conflict; however, family process changes did not mediate diabetes health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In addition to improving treatment adherence and glycemic control, BFST-D has collateral benefits on depressive symptoms.