Treating Depressed Teens: New Data Address the Controversies

Although adolescents with major depression are often treated with SSRIs or psychotherapy, the relative or combined effectiveness of these treatments is unknown. Controversy about SSRIs' . . .

Although adolescents with major depression are often treated with SSRIs or psychotherapy, the relative or combined effectiveness of these treatments is unknown. Controversy about SSRIs' efficacy and possible role in increasing suicidality in this population highlights the urgency of this issue. These researchers randomized 439 teens with major depression to 12-week treatment with fluoxetine, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), fluoxetine plus CBT, or pill placebo and clinical management.

All groups showed significant improvement. Response to combination treatment (71%) was significantly greater than fluoxetine (61%), CBT (43%), and placebo (35%). Fluoxetine monotherapy was superior to CBT alone and placebo (which were statistically equivalen…

Reviewing Author

Peter Roy-Byrne, MD