Discontinuation Study Of Citalopram (Antidepressant) in Depressed Adolescents

The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether it is advantageous for adolescents who have recovered from depression after a 6 to 12 week course of antidepressant treatment to stay on the treatment a further 6 months or is it just as helpful to stop the medication after recovery.

The hypothesis is that adolescents with major depression who recover from the 6 to 12 week trial of citalopram will be less likely to have a recurrence of depression over a 6 month period if continued on the citalopram as compared to those who discontinue the medication.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of major Depression.
• Age 13-18.
• A score of > 16 on the 17 item Hamilton Depression Scale or a score of > 12 on the 17 items plus a score of >7 on the atypical items.
• Males and females.
• Outpatient at initiation of double blind treatment phase.
• Ability to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Past or current hypomanic or manic episode.
• Currently meets criteria for a Conduct Disorder.
• Current psychotic symptoms.
• Substance dependence in the last 3 months.
• Significant medical condition that would contraindicate the use of an antidepressant.
• Pregnancy
• Past treatment with Citalopram for major depression