Single-Case Study of the Feasibility of Parent Training and Change in Parenting in Comparison to Baseline, in Adolescents With a Major Depressive Disorder

Existing research has shown that parental behavior can influence the onset and persistence of adolescent depression; however, the initial treatment guidelines do not include parental involvement, and there is no established protocol for engaging parents. For this study, the Doepressie parent training protocol was designed to teach parents ways to help their child cope with depression, and this study sought to evaluate the feasibility and changes in parenting of combining individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adolescents with parent training. Because of the heterogeneity observed in adolescents with depression, a single-case design study with daily diaries for parents was conducted. Adolescents (N = 9; mean age = 15.9, SD = 1.05) with major depressive disorder and their parents participated in this study. Parents reported that the parent training was feasible. After treatment, two-thirds of the adolescents no longer met the criteria for major depressive disorder. Most of the parents reported positive effects on their child's mood and activity level, problem-solving skills with their child, and parental responsiveness and competence. Four parents demonstrated medium positive change. Involving parents in the treatment of adolescent depression has significant clinical benefits. Because of the heterogeneity of adolescent depression, the impact of parental involvement varies.