Can a 10-Week program shield kids from depression?

NCT ID NCT00183365

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested a 10-week program called the Protecting Families Program (PFP) for depressed parents and their pre-teen children. The goal was to see if the program could prevent depression in the children. 42 families took part, with parents in treatment for depression. The program included group sessions for parents and cognitive behavioral therapy for the kids. Researchers measured child psychiatric symptoms, parenting skills, and family functioning.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Protecting Families Program (PFP) - a 10-week behavioral program including parent skills training and child cognitive behavioral therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this program could provide an effective way to prevent depression in children of depressed parents.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The program is intensive and may not work for all families.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder dysthymic disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center for Family Intervention Science; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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