PRimary Prevention Of Depression in Offspring of Depressed Parents

PRimary Prevention Of Depression in Offspring of Depressed Parents

The purpose of this randomised controlled trial is to see whether a group-based psychological intervention for families can reduce the inflated risk of depression in children and adolescents who have at least one parent who suffers from depression (or who has suffered from depressed in the child's lifetime).

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least one parent who meets diagnostic criteria for a current (or past, during the child's lifetime) diagnosis of depression
• The participating child is aged 8-17
• The participating child has an IQ of at least 85
• Both child and parent(s) have adequate German-language skills
• Both child and parents consent to intervention sessions being video-recorded

Exclusion Criteria:

• The participating parent(s) has current symptoms of bipolar disorder, psychotic symptoms, personality disorder, substance addiction, or is suicidal
• The participating child meets criteria for a current, or previous, episode of any psychiatric disorder
• The participating child is undergoing or has undergone treatment for depression
• The participating child or parent have serious symptoms of a disorder (or are in crisis) that may hamper their ability to take part in the study