Interpersonal counseling for adolescents with depression
Adolescent Depression Treatment Pathways in Primary Care - a Longitudinal Cohort Study Describing Naturalistic Flow of Treatment and Evaluating Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Interpersonal Counseling Compared to Treatment as Usual
This study is testing whether interpersonal counseling can help teenagers aged 13-16 with mild to moderate depression feel better compared to regular treatment options.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 9000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare Government |
| Locations | 4 sites (Hämeenlinna and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06390462 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational cohort study aims to evaluate the pathways to mental health services for adolescents experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms in Finland. Participants, aged 13-16, will complete surveys over six months to assess their depressive symptoms, need for support, and treatment received. The study will also gather information from caregivers to better understand the context of the adolescents' mental health. The goal is to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interpersonal counseling compared to standard treatment options.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 13-16 attending grades 7 to 9 in selected Finnish schools who have not received prior treatment for depression.
Not a fit: Patients who have received psychiatric care or psychosocial interventions in the past 12 months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve access to effective mental health treatments for adolescents with depression.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents, but the specific adaptation of interpersonal counseling being evaluated here is less established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * we will include all adolescents attending grades 7 to 9 in selected schools with on informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * psychiatric care within the past 12 months or receiving a psychosocial intervention (psychotherapy, IPC-A, any other therapy of support) during the 12 months before baseline, * an inability to reliably understand the Finnish, Plain Finnish, Swedish, or English versions of the survey, or * an adolescents' or caretakers' report of a need for exclusion, such as another medical condition - including a mental disorder - requiring acute current treatment or support.
Where this trial is running
Hämeenlinna and 3 other locations
- The wellbeing services county of Kanta-Häme — Hämeenlinna, Finland (Recruiting)
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare — Helsinki, Finland (Recruiting)
- The wellbeing services county of Central Finland — Jyväskylä, Finland (Recruiting)
- The wellbeing services county of North Ostrobothnia — Oulu, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Outi Linnaranta, MD, PhD — Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
- Study coordinator: Outi Linnaranta, MD, PhD
- Email: outi.linnaranta@thl.fi
- Phone: +358504327128
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.