For many children and adolescents, depression can lead to other problems like loss of friends, low self-esteem, poor school performance and possibly even suicide. Depression is a treatable condition that often goes untreated because it is not recognized or is misunderstood. The UPMC researchers are looking for children and adolescents ages 8 to 16 who have been diagnosed with depression for at least four weeks. The participants will be randomly assigned to an antidepressant or placebo, then be monitored for 12 weeks for depressive symptoms and side effects. Individuals who qualify for the study will receive, at no charge, a complete physical examination, all study medication, regular monitoring of psychiatric and physical symptoms and supportive psychotherapy.
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