UO PSYCHOLOGISTS LAUNCH NATIONAL STUDY ON TREATING ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION
July 19, 2000
Contact Ross West (541) 346-2060
Source: Anne Simons (541) 346-5093
EUGENE–A new national study at the University of Oregon and 10 other research institutions may help identify the most effective way to treat a devastating psychological problem that affects millions of American kids.
"Serious depression, known clinically as major depressive disorder or MDD, affects about one in 20 children and adolescents," says Anne Simons, a UO clinical psychologist who will co-direct the Treatment of Adolescent Depression Study (TADS), along with Paul Rohde, UO adjunct assistant professor of psychology.
About 430 adolescents between the ages 12 and 17, including 48 local teens, will be involved in the nationwide research effort comparing the effectiveness of various treatments. The National Institute of Mental Health is funding the $15 million national effort, which offers free treatment to study participants. For more information about participating in the project, local teens and parents can call the TADS office at the UO, (541) 346-4987.
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One reason this study is so very important is that we’re way behind in what we know about depression in teens compared to what we know about depression in adults," says Simons. "Another is that depression is recurrent, so intervening early may help prevent future depressions."Scientists understand that a combination of many factors can contribute to MDD. These factors can include genetics, brain chemistry, environment and an individual’s thinking patterns. Teens who are depressed often go untreated until a crisis occurs.
"We will be studying a number of treatments that have been proven effective," explains Kathy Hadjiyannakis, a UO graduate assistant and the study coordinator. "We want to find out which of the treatments produce the most immediate and long-lasting benefits."
The study will compare four treatments for MDD: antidepressant medication (Prozac); Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or CBT (teaching the participants skills about how thoughts and behaviors influence their moods); a combination of Prozac and CBT; and a placebo pill. Adolescents receiving the placebo who have not improved over the course of 12 weeks are eligible to receive their choice of any of the other treatments. All treatments are offered free of charge.
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We will do some careful follow-up work to learn more about what factors help the participants remain un-depressed," Simons adds. "It is a great opportunity for depressed teens to get first-rate treatment at no cost and, at the same time, help others who might someday be suffering from the same problem."Participation in the project is free of charge. For more information, call the UO TADS office at (541) 346-4987.
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