Combined Therapy for Adolescents with Depression?

In 2004, U.S. researchers reported that children with major depressive disorder (MDD) improved more with fluoxetine plus cognitive-behavioral therapy than with medication alone. The British government later mandated use of combination therapy for children with MDD. Investigators in Great Britain further tested the efficacy of combination therapy in a 28-week, double-blind study.

The 208 patients (ages 11–17) met criteria for MDD at moderate or severe levels and had not responded to a 2-week brief intervention. They were randomized to either an SSRI alone (generally, fluoxetine) or an SSRI plus CBT. All patients received comprehensive specialist-provided supportive care, which involved psychoeducation, parental support, solving interpersonal …