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Pilot study at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg on surf therapy for adolescents with depression shows initial positive results / Alternative form of treatment to be established in Germany

Depression in children and adolescents is a serious health problem that can have a major impact on the lives of both those affected and their families. In a two-year pilot study, researchers at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg are investigating the extent to which special surf therapy in combination with behavioral therapy can help those affected. It is the first scientific project on this topic in Germany. After around a year, the first positive interim results can now be reported.

"We want to help establish surf therapy as a treatment option for children and adolescents with mental illnesses in Germany," says Prof. Dr. Christian Fleischhaker, Acting Medical Director of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. For this reason, it is also a particular research interest to find out whether the project can be carried out in regions that are not directly by the sea. After selecting suitable participants through various diagnostic interviews, a three-month group therapy session was held in Freiburg. "This allowed us as therapists to work with the young people and build up a relationship of trust - also within the group," says Bettina Hearn, child and adolescent psychotherapist at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg and head of the study. The therapy was supplemented by a variety of exercise units. These consisted of gentle warm-up exercises, sessions in the indoor pool, stand-up paddling on a Freiburg lake and a one-week surf therapy camp on the island of Sylt.

One year after the project began, a promising interim conclusion can now be drawn. "We have seen significant improvements in depressive symptoms," says Hearn. "In individual and family sessions, we received feedback that the children and young people were more active and open again and felt an increase in self-esteem."

Boosting self-confidence through sport

Surf therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes the positive effects of surfing on physical and mental health. The physical activity of surfing can help to relax the body and reduce stress. At the same time, experiencing a sense of achievement and developing new skills can boost self-confidence and improve self-esteem. However, surf therapy is not a substitute for conventional therapy, but should be seen as a supplement or alternative to other forms of therapy.

The donation-funded study is being carried out in cooperation with wirmachenwelle e.V.. The association supports children and young people through sports-related experiential education and therapeutic programs. In 2022, the costs were covered by the Heidehof Foundation.

Picture caption: The young study participants hand in hand at their surf therapy camp on Sylt.
Image rights: wirmachenwelle e.V.