Universal vs. Targeted School Screening for Adolescent Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder Clinical Trial

Official title: Randomized Controlled Trial of Universal vs. Targeted School Screening for Adolescent Major Depressive Disorder

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The primary goal of the proposed study is to compare the effectiveness of universal school based screening for adolescent major depressive disorder to the current school process of targeted screening based on concerning behavior.

Clinical Trial Description

The prevalence of annual major depressive disorder (MDD) episodes has increased by greater than 50% from 2008 to 2015 among US adolescents. Paralleling the rise in MDD, suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of adolescent deaths. Despite the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2009 endorsement of universal screening for adolescent MDD in primary care, MDD screening occurs in less than 2% of office visits.

The primary goal of the proposed study is to compare the effectiveness of universal versus targeted adolescent MDD screening in a school setting. Universal screening was chosen to be conducted in schools because, compared to medical settings; schools are more likely to regularly engage with adolescents.

The hypothesis is that universal school-based screening with the validated Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) will result in increased rates of MDD screening, identification and treatment engagement. The Penn State team brings a breadth of experience in pediatrics, community-engaged research, adolescent health, psychiatry and engagement with minority populations. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Depression
• Depressive Disorder
• Depressive Disorder, Major
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Major Depressive Episode

• NCT number: NCT03716869
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: November 6, 2018
• Completion date: February 3, 2021