Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for depressed adolescents
Official title: Social Cognitive Training to Enhance the Efficacy of CBT forDepression in Youth: A Developmental Approach (R33)
Run by Vanderbilt University · NCT05456035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of therapy for depressed teenagers that adds social skills training to see if it helps them feel better compared to regular therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 82 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 10, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05456035 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 13 to 17 who have a current diagnosis of depression or significant depressive symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, conduct disorder, or those at imminent risk of suicide may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to improve treatment for depression in adolescents by testing an enhanced version of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that incorporates social cognitive training. The study will involve youth aged 13 to 17 who are currently experiencing depression, with participants randomized to receive either the enhanced CBT that focuses on social cognitive skills or standard CBT. The effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated through assessments of social cognitive abilities and depressive symptoms at the end of treatment and at a 6-month follow-up. The goal is to determine if improvements in social cognitive skills can lead to better outcomes in managing depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments for depression in adolescents by enhancing their social cognitive skills.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in enhancing CBT with additional training, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants ages 13- through 17-years-old 2. Youth must have a diagnosis of a current depressive disorder (e.g., major depressive episode; persistent depressive disorder) or a score on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) \> 15 Exclusion Criteria: * ever met criteria for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, or conduct disorder * current alcohol or substance use disorder with significant impairment * imminent risk of suicide * reading level \< 4th grade
Where it's running
-
Judy Garber
Nashville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Judy Garber, PhD
- Email: judy.garber@vanderbilt.edu
- Phone: 615-330-5605
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.