Twenty-eight RCTs (n=3,599) were included in the review (studies published since 1998).
Child studies (10 trials, n=1,000): A variety of interventions were found to be effective. There was evidence to support group-based CBT as well as interventions based on other theoretical perspectives (such as behavioural therapy and non-directed support/psychoeducational) using different treatment modalities (for example, parent-child sessions, child group plus parent component/intervention). No psychosocial intervention was found to be superior over another intervention. Most studies had some methodological limitations.
Adolescent studies (18 trials, n=2,599): Adolescents who underwent CBT, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) or attachment-based family therapy demonstrated reductions in depressive symptoms and disorders when compared to controls. None of the psychological interventions were clearly superior to another intervention. Ten of the 18 trials were well-conducted. Eight trials had some methodological limitations.
A summary of all evidence published (more than 28 studies) suggested that the Self-Control Therapy and Penn Prevention Program for children, the Adolescents Coping with Depression Course (CWD-A) and the Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A) programmes were probably efficacious. For children, there was evidence to support the modalities of group-child only and child group plus parent components when using CBT. For adolescents, the modalities of group treatment for CBT and individual treatment for IPT were well established. From a theoretical perspective, CBT for both children and adolescents and IPT for adolescents were well established.