CBT for depressed adolescents - keep taking the tablets

Adolescent depression is a serious disorder with a high risk of suicide. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used in treatment although there are concerns about how effective they are and fears that they could actually raise the risk of suicide. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has proposed that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) be also used for this age group, however, a study of 208 teenagers in Manchester and Cambridge has found that CBT made little difference compared to taking SSRIs and routine clinical care. The study divided the children into two groups giving one group SSRIs and CBT and the other group just SSRIs. The trial lasted twelve weeks and by the end of the study there was no difference in effectiveness of treatment between the two groups.

Goodyer, Ian ... [et al] - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and routine specialist care with and without cognitive behaviour therapy in adolescents with major depression : randomised controlled trial British Medical Journal July 21, 2007, 142-146