Prevention of Adolescent Major Depression

"Adolescents Coping With Stress": Prevention of Adolescent Major Depression in School Health Care

The main purpose of this study is to assess the effect of a cognitive group intervention on prevention of major depression in 14-15-year-old adolescents. Moreover, the effect on other selected mental health parameters are investigated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• mild to moderate level depressive symptoms (RBDI self-report scale)
• adequate knowledge of the Finnish language
• informed consent from the adolescent (all) and his/her parent (under 15 years)
• healthy controls comprise subjects with no depressive symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

• ongoing major depression, dysthymia or bipolar disorder
• ongoing other severe psychiatric illness precluding group participation
• mental retardation