Preventing depression and suicide in adolescents in special schools

Strong Teens and Resilient Minds: School-based Depression and Suicide Prevention in Adolescents Attending Special Schools

Not applicable Interventional Ggz Oost Brabant · NCT06203899

This study is testing a new program to help prevent depression and suicide in teenagers at special education schools in the Netherlands.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment236 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorGgz Oost Brabant Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boekel, Noordoost Brabant)
Trial IDNCT06203899 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on addressing depressive symptoms in adolescents attending special education schools in the Netherlands. It aims to screen these students for depression and implement a tailored prevention program to reduce the onset or continuation of depressive symptoms. The approach includes a randomized controlled trial comparing two conditions: the Op Volle Kracht program and Gatekeeper training. The effectiveness of these interventions will be evaluated to determine their impact on mental health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 14 or 15 in their second or third year of secondary education who exhibit elevated depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who are clinically depressed, already receiving treatment for depression, or lack parental permission will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce depressive symptoms and the risk of suicide among adolescents in special education.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with school-based prevention programs for depression, indicating potential for this adapted approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents are in their second or third year of secondary education, ór adolescents will reach the age 14 or 15 in this academic year.
* Score above cut-off on depression symptom questionnaire (≥ 14 on the CDI-2; Bodden et al. (2016)).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents who score 2 on item 8 of the CDI-2 or ≥ 23 on the VOZZ-screen (Kerkhof et al., 2015).
* Clinical depression based on the clinical interview at baseline ADIS-C (Silverman \& Albano, 1996).
* Absence of parental permission.
* Adolescent already receiving treatment for depressive symptomatology.
* Insufficient knowledge of the Dutch language.

Where this trial is running

Boekel, Noordoost Brabant

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depressive SymptomsDepressionPreventionAdolescenceSpecial education
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.