Major depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders experienced by adolescents. Even adolescents with depressive symptoms below the level of diagnosis are at increased risk of a range of future problems, such as psychiatric disorders, impaired social functioning, and substance abuse.~Depression prevention therapies have had mixed results. Those that are implemented universally have shown little efficacy, although those that specifically target adolescents at risk of depression have shown greater efficacy. A large scale effectiveness trial-one that applies treatments outside of a lab in real world settings-of a targeted depression prevention therapy has not been conducted. This study will test the effectiveness of two therapies for preventing depression in adolescents. The first is a brief, group cognitive-behavioral depression prevention program, and the second is bibliotherapy, which involves giving participants a self-help book for depression. Bibliotherapy has shown efficacy in previous research but has not been examined in an effectiveness trial.~Participation in this study will last 24 months. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a six-session, cognitive-behavioral depression prevention group; a bibliotherapy group; and an assessment only group. Participants in the cognitive-behavioral group will meet with a study therapist and other group members to learn strategies for preventing depression. Participants in the bibliotherapy group will be given a self-help book titled Feeling Good with information on preventing depression. Participants in the assessment only group will receive a pamphlet on depression symptoms and treatment. All participants will complete assessments at baseline; after the cognitive-behavioral group has been completed; and at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month follow-ups. These assessments will include an interview about depression symptoms and a survey about thoughts, feelings, actions, depression, and substance abuse.
This study will test the effectiveness of two programs for preventing depression in adolescents.