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Depression Prevention Program for Adolescents

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Depression
Interventions
Behavioral: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
Behavioral: Supportive/expressive (S/E) therapy
Behavioral: Bibliotherapy
Registration Number
NCT00183417
Lead Sponsor
University of Texas at Austin
Brief Summary

This study will compare the effectiveness of two programs designed to prevent depression in adolescents.

Detailed Description

Major depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in adolescents. In many cases, the condition is recurrent and can result in serious psychological impairment. A high number of depressed adolescents never receive treatment; therefore, it is crucial to develop prevention programs for this disorder that are effective and can be easily disseminated. This study will evaluate and compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and supportive/expressive (S/E) therapy in preventing depressive symptoms in adolescents.

This study will last 2 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive six sessions of CBT, S/E therapy, or standard depression education over 2 years. The CBT intervention will focus on reducing negative thoughts and increasing engagement in pleasant activities. S/E therapy is designed to allow adolescents to express their negative emotions and talk about recent stressful events in a supportive environment of their peers. Surveys and psychiatric interviews will be completed by all participants and their parents at the beginning and the end of the study. The surveys and interviews will assess depressive symptoms.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
350
Inclusion Criteria
  • Beck Depression Inventory score higher than 10
  • Parent or guardian willing to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • Diagnosis of depression

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
1Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)Participants will receive cognitive behavioral therapy
2Supportive/expressive (S/E) therapyParticipants will receive supportive/expressive therapy
3BibliotherapyParticipants will receive bibliotherapy
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Depressive symptomsMeasured at Year 1
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Texas at Austin

🇺🇸

Austin, Texas, United States

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