Teen Depression Study

Does your teen have clinical depression? Teens with depression do not all have the same symptoms, but most have at least 5 of the following for two weeks or more:

• Persistent sad, irritable or "empty" feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that they used to find fun
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Researchers at Kaiser Permanente would like to find out if teens get relief from these feelings if they get counseling sessions using Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Kaiser Researchers are conducting a study called the Study of Adolescence and Depression (STAND). STAND will provide free counseling for half of the teens who enroll; the other half will continue to receive the usual care from their provider. All teens will be interviewed six times over the next two years and each teen and participating parent will receive gift certificates for completing these interviews.

Joining the STAND study is voluntary and there is no cost. This study is for teens age 12-18 who are having symptoms of depression and who are not taking medications for depression. If you would like to see if this study might be right for your teen just call the STAND toll free phone number at 1-866-453-3933. Leave your and your teen’s first and last name, the best time to reach you and a short message saying you would like one of the STAND study staff to call you back. A STAND staff member will call and answer any questions you might have and talk to you about participation in the study.