CBT Enhanced With Social Cognitive Training vs. CBT Only With Depressed Youth

Summary

Depression in youth is a serious public health concern for which more personalized treatments are needed. This randomized controlled trial will test the effect of an intervention aimed at enhancing social cognitive capacities (e.g., ability to take another's perspective), thereby making treatment of depression in youth more efficient and effective. Participants in the R33 (N=82) will be youth between ages 13- through 17-years-old currently experiencing depression. Youth will be randomized to either an enhanced CBT intervention that teaches social cognitive skills, particularly social perspective taking and theory of mind (CBTSCT) as compared to CBT only. The primary target is improvement in both social cognitive skills and depressive symptoms at post-treatment and at a 6-month follow-up.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participants ages 13- through 17-years-old
2. Youth must have a diagnosis of a current depressive disorder (e.g., major depressive episode; persistent depressive disorder) or a score on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) \> 15

Exclusion Criteria:

* ever met criteria for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, or conduct disorder
* current alcohol or substance use disorder with significant impairment
* imminent risk of suicide
* reading level \< 4th grade

Conditions1

Locations1 site

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