Reducing the Risk of Developing Major Depression in Adolescents/Young Adults With Minor Depression/Depression Symptoms

• Subjects are between the ages of 14-18 years and
• have one risk factor for developing depression in the next two years:
• sub-clinical depressed mood (not meeting criteria of major depression),
• a family history of depression in a parent or sibling, or
• past personal history of depression or personal perception of risk depression and desire to participate

Inclusion criteria include:

• (1) age 14-18 years and
• (2) one risk factor for developing depression in the next two years: sub-clinical depressed mood (not meeting criteria of major depression),
• a family history of depression in a parent or sibling, or past personal history of depression or personal perception of risk depression and desire to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• criteria include meeting criteria or undergoing active treatment for major depression (5 or more symptoms nearly every day with functional impairment, minor depression),
• bipolar disorder,
• panic disorder,
• conduct disorder,
• substance abuse or having suicidal ideation.
• Active treatment for depression is defined as receiving anti-depressant medication or counseling within one year of remission of symptoms from the most recent episode.
• Those who meet DSM-IV criteria for minor depression (3-4 symptoms) or who report significant functional impairment (very difficult or above on the Prime MD functional impairment scale) will be notified and offered a referral for an evaluation by a mental health specialist (and will be strongly encouraged to attend).
• Those with 1-2 symptoms of depression will also be offered evaluation and treatment from a mental health specialist. In each case, the primary care physician will be notified and the parents (if under the age of 19).