Researchers are encouraged by the recent finding that a combination of talk therapy (cognitive therapy) and the antidepressant medication Prozac appears to be the best way to treat teenagers with major depression. Major depression is a real and very serious medical condition. Symptoms may include significant negative thoughts, negative emotions, and even suicide. Although there is no absolute cure for major depression, this recent finding provides clinicians with an effective means to help adolescents manage their condition.

The study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, measured the effectiveness of talk therapy alone, Prozac alone, or use of both talk therapy and Prozac on groups of adolescents with major depression. The researchers believe the combination of talk therapy and Prozac is advantageous because the medication helps to reduce the symptoms of depression to allow the teenagers to focus on the goals of talk therapy. The combined treatment provides safeguards for those at greatest risk for suicide.