2005-2009 Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Service Services
Appendix 7: Children and Depression
Additional Information Regarding Research Studies

Current major studies on child and adolescent depression

• Treatment for Adolescent Depression: The TADS* Study , John March, MD, Duke University (*Treatment of Adolescents with Depression Study)

  • TADS was an NIMH-funded research study (n=439) random, controlled, placebo, multisite study of treatments for major depressive disorder in teenagers which compares short-and longer-term effectiveness of medication (SSRIs) and psychotherapy (CBT) for depression. The combination was superior to either treatment alone.

• Adolescent Brain Development: An Interface of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Psychology and Neuroscience, Ronald E. Dahl, MD, Staunton Professor of Psychiatry & Pediatrics, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

• Neurobiology of Anxiety and Depression, Daniel Pine, MD, NIMH, Chief, Section on Development and Affective Neuroscience and Chief of Child and Adolescent Research in the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program. Formerly with NYSPI.

• Social Support and Serotonin Transport Gene Moderate Depression in Maltreated Children , Joan Kaufman, Yale Child Study Center, Neuroimaging Center. This study found that negative sequelae resulting from early stress are not inevitable even among child who have a genetic vulnerability to develop psychiatric disorder. Researchers found that social support is among the most important environmental factors in determining whether or not children go on to develop post traumatic symptoms. (Findings published 12/7/04, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).

• Treatment of Resistant Depression in Adolescents (TORDIA) (David Brent, University of Pittsburgh).  This study is examining optimal treatments for adolescents who do not respond to first order treatments.

Comments or questions about the information on this page can be directed to the Office of Planning.