Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depressed adolescents
Effects of Stressful Life Experiences on the Acquisition of a Coping Skill in Adolescents With Elevated Depression Symptoms
This study is testing whether Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help young teens aged 12 to 15 learn and keep skills to manage their depression over six months.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT04719897 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate how young adolescents aged 12 to 15 with elevated depression symptoms can acquire and retain cognitive restructuring skills through a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. It employs a longitudinal design to explore the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and cognitive control processes, assessing how these factors influence skill acquisition and retention over six months. Participants will undergo a series of assessments, including diagnostic interviews and cognitive tests, to establish eligibility and track progress throughout the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12 to 15 who exhibit clinically elevated symptoms of depression.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychotic disorders, autism spectrum disorders, or serious medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide adolescents with effective skills to manage depression and improve cognitive functioning.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with CBT approaches in treating adolescent depression, indicating a promising avenue for this intervention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages 12 years 0 months through 15 years 11 months at study enrollment * Have clinically elevated depression symptom severity based a cut-off score of ≥ 7 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, verified by clinician ratings on the Depression Rating Scale. Exclusion Criteria: * Lifetime presence of a DSM-5 Psychotic or Autism Spectrum Disorder * Lifetime presence of a neurological or serious medical condition * Current DSM-5 diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rachel A Vaughn-Coaxum, Ph.D. — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Rachel A Vaughn-Coaxum, Ph.D.
- Email: rav52@pitt.edu
- Phone: 412-246-5058
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.