Could treating childhood depression be more effective when parents join the therapy?
NCT ID NCT01159041
First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026
Summary
This study compares two treatments for depression in children aged 7 to 13: a family-focused therapy that works with both the child and parents, versus individual therapy for the child alone. The family approach aims to improve parent-child interactions, communication, and coping skills. Over 14 weeks, researchers will measure which treatment leads to better depression outcomes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Family Focused Treatment (FFT) — a behavioral therapy involving child and parents, focusing on positive interactions, communication, and coping skills
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that involving parents directly in therapy is more effective for childhood depression than treating the child alone.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage study comparing two behavioral approaches, so results may not generalize widely. The therapy requires active parent participation, which may not be feasible for all families.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior
Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
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