A randomised controlled out-patient trial of cognitive-behavioural treatment for children and adolescents with depression: 9-month follow-up

Abstract

Nine-month outcome data of a randomized controlled out-patient trial of cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) for children and adolescents with depression are presented. CBT was compared with a non-focussed intervention (NFI) in 56 subjects. At 9 months after thr termination of the trial, 21 children (37.5%) fulfilled criteria for a psychiatric disorder (DSM-III-R), out of whom 15 (26.8%) had a depressive illness. However, 25 subjects (45%) reported depressive symptoms of significant severity to suggest a depressive episode during the previous 9-month period. Both treatment groups maintained a significant improvement on all psychosocial measures since the post-treatment assessment. No significant treatment effect was established. Low self-esteem at the time of referral, predicted presence of psychiatric disorder, and child-reported scores of depressive symptoms and low self-esteem at follow-up. The research and clinical implications for the treatment of depressive disorders in young life are discussed.