LEADS Study: Life Experiences in Adolescents and the Development of Skills

STUDY BASICS

Are you the parent of a child aged 12-15 years old who is sad, depressed, irritable, or withdrawn? Your child may be able to participate in a research study to help understand how children and teens learn and use a common coping skill. Participation may take place mostly online. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Many children and teens experience depression, a mood disorder that causes feelings of intense sadness, lowered energy and interest in activities, academic problems, and withdrawal from others. Therapy can help children and teens learn coping skills to manage depression, but researchers do not fully understand how adolescents learn these coping skills or which children benefit most from them.

 

The purpose of this study is to better understand how children and teens learn and use a common coping skill. Researchers hope their findings lead to better ways to manage depression in children and teens in the future.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Ages 12-15
• Feel sad, depressed, irritable, or withdrawn
• Have never been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or current ADHD
• Not on any stimulant medications, such as Concerta or Ritalin

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves six sessions (four remote visits & two in-person visits).  The in-person visits take place within the first month. Study procedures include questionnaires, interviews, tasks, physical assessments, and learning a coping skill for teens.