RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05548244

Mechanisms of Behavioral Activation (BA)

Multi-level Mechanisms of Behavioral Activation Therapy for Adolescent Depression

Sponsor

Emory University

Enrollment

136 participants

Start Date

Jan 30, 2023

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression

Summary

The investigators will be comparing brain (neural) activation of depressed adolescent patients before, during and after a course of Behavioral Activation (BA) therapy using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In particular, the project seeks to determine whether BA targets different neural mechanisms for behavioral avoidance associated with low motivation as compared to threat avoidance. A group of healthy controls will also be scanned as a comparator group for behavioral and imaging measures.

Eligibility

Min Age: 15 YearsMax Age: 17 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is looking at how a therapy called Behavioral Activation (BA) — which focuses on increasing positive activities in daily life — works in the brain to relieve depression in teenagers. It aims to understand the brain changes that happen during treatment to improve future therapies. **You may be eligible if...** - You are a teenager between 15 and 17 years old - You have been diagnosed with major depression (MDD) - Your depression score on a standard scale is above a certain threshold - You are not currently taking psychiatric medications (or can safely stop them) - You have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer for study check-ins - You are willing to pause other therapy during the study **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or active suicidal plans - You have significant intellectual disability (IQ below 80) - You have a current substance use disorder - You are currently on medications for depression or anxiety Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALBehavioral Activation Therapy

Participants will be seen for a maximum of 16 sessions of therapy focused on increasing rewarding behaviors (16 individual therapy sessions of 1-hour, 2 of which include the BSIS component) over 16 weeks. BA intervention includes monthly booster sessions offered throughout 6-month follow up. If needed, two extra sessions will be allowed during treatment.

BEHAVIORALBaseline assessment procedures

Completion of the K-SADS and CDRS-R to assess MDD, and the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence - 2nd Edition to assess IQ.