Family Cognitive Behavioral Prevention of Depression in Children of Parents With a History of Major Depressive Disorder

Depression is a serious condition that can affect a person's work, relationships, and quality of life. Studies have shown that children of depressed parents are at a higher risk for developing depression than those whose parents have not experienced depression. Safe and effective treatments that can help prevent children of depressed parents from becoming depressed are needed. This study will compare CBT to depression education to determine which is more effective in preventing depression in the children of depressed parents.

Families will be randomly assigned to receive weekly sessions of either CBT or depression education for 12 weeks. Parents in the CBT group will be taught skills to more effectively raise their children and to better manage their depressive symptoms; their children will be taught skills to cope with the stress of their parents' depression. Families in the education group will be informed about the ways that depression can affect individuals with depression and their families.

Study visits will occur at study entry and at Week 12. Several follow-up visits will occur for up to 2 years after the interventional part of the study. At each visit, a clinician will make direct observations of the depressed parent's interaction with his or her children. In addition, families will be interviewed and will complete questionnaires about the parent's depressive symptoms and family interaction.