Can a 10-Week program shield kids from depression?

NCT ID NCT00183365

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.

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 dysthymic disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

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

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States