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Adolescents with major depression have poor prognoses; researchers using various study methods have reported recovery rates of 30% to 70% (depending on research methods), but a high relapse rate (approximately 30%) during 1-year follow-up. The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS) was designed as a study of both acute and long-term treatment effectiveness. Now, the researchers report long-term results (36 weeks, with assessments every 6 weeks).
Teenagers (mean age, 14.6) were randomized to fluoxetine, placebo, cognitive-behavioral therapy or combination treatment (CBT plus fluoxetine) for 12 weeks (fluoxetine and placebo were blinded arms). The 12-week results (Journal Watch Psychiatry Oct 6 2004) showed an early advantage f…