Parent-Adolescent Interactions in Depressed Adolescents - Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Examining the Role of Parent-Adolescent Interactions in the Treatment of Adolescents with Depression
IRAS ID
189871
Contact name
Monika Parkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Reading
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Depression is one of the most common mental health problems in adolescents, with almost a quarter of all adolescents experiencing at least one episode of depression before they are 19 years old. Depression significantly impacts on educational achievement and social functioning, and it raises the risk for other mental health and general health problems, later unemployment and suicide.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is associated with good outcomes in some patients, but approximately half of treated depressed adolescents show a poor response or do not engage in treatment. There is growing interest in the factors that may moderate or enhance the effects of available treatments, particularly the possible role of the family environment. Problems in parent-adolescent interactions that are associated with adolescent depression, such as conflict and lack of parental positivity towards their child, may work in direct opposition to the core objectives of CBT and reduce the efficacy of treatment. However, family interaction factors have not been systematically examined in relation to treatment response. Many parents want to be involved in supporting their child's recovery and including parents in treatment could increase treatment efficacy, but this has not been evaluated and it is unclear whether parental involvement in treatment is indicated.
The aim of this research is to identify potential parent-adolescent behaviours that moderate treatment outcomes for depressed adolescents, in order to inform the development and adaptation of psychological treatment.
Seventy-six adolescents with primary diagnosis of depression and their parents will be recruited to the study from the local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service over a 15-month period. Participants will be assessed using a semi-structured diagnostic assessment (KSADS) and will complete self-report routine measures. Parent-adolescent behaviours will be observed and relationships with depression treatment outcomes will be examined. The study has the potential to improve outcomes for depressed adolescents.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0013
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion