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Positive Affect Treatment for Adolescents With Early Life Adversity

Mitigating Depression Among Adversity Exposed Adolescents Using Positive Affect Therapy

Who can join

As published by the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. "Not stated" means the study hasn't said — ask the study team.

Age
12 Years to 16 Years
Sex
All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Compensation
Not stated

Other requirements are listed under Eligibility below. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

What to expect

No one can promise a trial will help you personally — that is what the research is trying to find out.

What participation involves

Not stated in the study description — ask the study team about visits and procedures.

Compensation
Not stated
  • Study-related exams and procedures are typically provided at no cost. This is how many trials work in general — confirm the details for this study with the study team.
  • Participants are monitored closely by the research team throughout the study.
  • Some participants may receive access to an investigational treatment, which is still being studied.
  • Your participation helps researchers learn whether this approach could help future patients.

About this study

In plain language

This study tests Positive Affect Treatment (PAT) to see if it can increase positive feelings and help prevent depression. It is for teens ages 12–16 who have had at least two harmful or stressful childhood experiences and do not currently have major depression.

Youth exposed to early life adversity (ELA) are known to be at greater risk for depression and suicidality and account for almost half of the youth suffering from psychiatric diseases today. Youth exposed to ELA consistently report symptoms of anhedonia as well as dysregulated positive affect. The present project will test the efficacy of PAT in a sample of ELA-exposed adolescents in order to determine whether PAT increases positive affect, and subsequently symptoms of depression. For the initial pilot phase of the investigation, the investigators will recruit up to 30 adolescents exposed to two or more childhood adversities (ACEs) who do not currently have major depressive disorder, and randomize them (1:1) to either participate in PAT or a waitlist control condition. For the second phase of the investigation, the investigators will recruit up to 300 adolescents exposed to two or more childhood adversities (ACEs) who do not currently have major depressive disorder, and randomize them (1:1) to either participate in PAT or supportive psychotherapy. For both phases, at study enrollment, then 4-, 8, and 12-months thereafter the investigators will measure positive affect and depressive symptoms (including anhedonia and reward sensitivity). The results of this study will be used to inform whether PAT has the potential to prevent major depressive episodes among adversity-exposed youth.

Compensation is read from the study's own description and may be missing — always confirm with the study team.

Eligibility

Who can join

  • Are 12–16 years old.
  • Have had at least two harmful or stressful childhood experiences.

Who can't join

  • Currently take an antidepressant or take daily medicine that affects the immune system, such as steroids for asthma or allergies.
  • Have or have ever had symptoms of mania (unusually high energy or mood) or psychosis (trouble knowing what is real).
  • Have a diagnosis of intellectual disability or autism reported by a parent.
  • Have a long-term medical condition, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis.
  • Have a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia.

Simplified for readability. The official criteria below are what the study team uses.

Official eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * aged 12-16 * exposed to 2 or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) Exclusion Criteria: * currently taking an antidepressant or any medications known to influence immune functioning on a daily basis (e.g., steroidal medications to treat asthma or allergies) * current or past history of manic or psychotic symptoms * parent-reported diagnosis of intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder * chronic medical conditions (e.g., cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis), * bleeding disorders such as hemophilia

Study sites (1)

CA