Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS)
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2004-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
TADS is designed to compare the effectiveness of established treatments for teenagers
suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). The treatments are: psychotherapy ("talking
therapy"); medication; and the combination of psychotherapy and medication. Altogether, 432
teenagers (both males and females) ages 12 to 17, will take part in this study at 12 sites in
the United States.
The TADS design will provide answers to the following questions: What is the long-term
effectiveness of medication treatment of teenagers who have major depression? What is the
long-term effectiveness of a specific psychotherapy ("talking therapy) in the treatment of
teenagers who have major depression? How does medication treatment compare with psychotherapy
in terms of effectiveness, tolerability and teenager and family acceptance? And, What is the
cost-effectiveness of medication, psychotherapy and combined treatments?
The medication being used in this study is called fluoxetine. Fluoxetine is also known as
Prozac. Research has shown that medications like Prozac help depression in young persons.
Fluoxetine has been approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of child and adolescent
(ages 7 to 17 years) depression.
The psychotherapy or "talking therapy" being used in this study is called Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a talking therapy that will teach both the teenager and his
or her family member (e.g., parent) new skills to cope better with depression. Specific
topics include education about depression and the causes of depression, setting goals,
monitoring mood, increasing pleasant activities, social problem-solving, correcting negative
thinking, negotiation, compromise and assertiveness. CBT sessions may also help with
resolving disagreements as they affect families.