NIH launches major study to uncover teen Depression's secrets

NCT ID NCT03388606

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    RECRUITING

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••