Adolescent Stress Management in a Primary Care Clinic.

INTRODUCTION

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adolescents be screened for mental health concerns and receive anticipatory guidance on stress management strategies.

METHODS

Eighty-six participants (50 participants in the intervention group; 36 participants in the control group) participated in the study. Intervention group participants received training in diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and use of no-cost/low-cost exercise options. Biofeedback was used to guide relaxation. Subjective distress and heart rate variability was measured before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

After the intervention, decreased levels of perceived stress and increased heart rate variability were reported compared with the control group.

DISCUSSION

This study show that an integrated care model in a primary care setting is feasible and effective at improving stress management.