Innovative Approach Reduces Depression and Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
Bright IDEAS Intervention Shows Promise in Alleviating Depression and Anxiety in Young Cancer Patients
A recent study presented by Dr. Katie A. Devine at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting highlights the effectiveness of the Bright IDEAS intervention in improving mental health outcomes for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer. This structured problem-solving skills program not only significantly reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety but also enhances overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among this vulnerable population.
Cancer diagnoses during the critical developmental period of ages 18 to 39 can adversely impact many aspects of an individual’s life, including self-esteem, educational and career trajectories, future family planning, and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Devine’s research underscores the profound psychological toll that these diagnoses can exert, making interventions such as Bright IDEAS crucial.
Bright IDEAS employs a systematic approach to problem-solving through five key steps: Identify the problem, Define potential solutions, Evaluate the best solution, Act on that solution, and Assess whether the problem has been addressed. This model is designed to cultivate optimism and equip patients with practical skills to manage their distress.
In the randomized controlled trial, 344 participants with various types of cancer were recruited from four sites across the United States. Through telehealth, participants engaged with the Bright IDEAS-YA intervention over six sessions from initial diagnosis to three months post-diagnosis. The study’s results were assessed at baseline and at three and six months into the program.
At the conclusion of the study, participants who utilized the Bright IDEAS-YA intervention reported significantly lower levels of depression (p ≤ .017) and anxiety (p ≤ .023). Furthermore, participants receiving the intervention experienced more substantial improvements in HRQOL scores compared to those receiving standard care (p = .01), demonstrating the effectiveness of the program.
Demographically, the study cohort included 55% aged 30 to 39 years, with 63% identifying as women, and 65% as White. The predominant cancer types among participants were breast cancer (26%) and Hodgkin lymphoma (17%). Notably, there were no significant differences in baseline measures of depression, anxiety, or HRQOL among groups, emphasizing the intervention’s substantial impact over time.
Dr. Devine concluded that the Bright IDEAS-YA intervention represents a promising therapeutic strategy to alleviate psychological distress and enhance the quality of life for young adults confronting cancer.
As awareness of the mental health challenges confronted by this demographic grows, the findings from this study may inform future clinical practices and support systems for young cancer patients, highlighting the need for integrated mental health care in oncology settings.
For further details, the study titled “Results of a multisite randomized trial of Bright IDEAS-Young Adults: efficacy of problem-solving skills training on distress and health-related quality of life” can be accessed through the ASCO database.
This article originally appeared in the Oncology Nurse Advisor.
