NIH launches major study to uncover teen Depression's secrets

NCT ID NCT03388606

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 9 times

Summary

This NIH study aims to understand what causes depression in teenagers and how the brain changes with the condition. Researchers will compare depressed teens with healthy ones using interviews, computer tasks, and brain scans. Eligible participants may also receive free talk therapy for up to 25 weeks. The study is recruiting 4,100 teens aged 11-17 from the Washington DC area.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Growth Mindset video and talk therapy (IPT-A or CBT)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could improve understanding of adolescent depression and point toward more effective talk therapies.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage observational and treatment study, not a large-scale trial. Results may not apply to all teens with depression.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder major depressive disorder mood disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
University of Colorado
COMPLETED

Denver, Colorado, 80220-3706, United States
University of Southern California
COMPLETED

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States

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