Are you experiencing sad/low moods, or know someone who is?

Parents and their children are needed for a study that explores the brain effects of treatment with antidepressants for depression and/or anxiety symptoms.

The study takes place in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. The study will include participant interviews, a noninvasive MRI scan for your child taken of his/her brain, and an optional blood draw for genetic sampling. Your child will be randomly assigned to either 4 months of treatment with psychotherapy or psychotherapy plus the antidepressant Escitalopram (Lexapro) and will be followed weekly during treatment. Children in the psychotherapy only group will receive a placebo (tablet with no medication in it) for approximately 16 weeks. Neither you nor the study doctor or team will know to which group the child will be assigned. The study doctor will be able to find out the child’s assigned treatment in the case of an emergency.

Eligible families will be paid $50 cash at each completed MRI scan visit (2 visits total) and $15 cash at schedule study visits. The study will last from 4-6 hours over the course of two visits at baseline, 4 weeks, and 16 weeks, and up to one 1 hour weekly for 16 weeks for scheduled follow-ups. We will schedule the sessions around your availability (daytime, evenings, or weekends).

To be eligible for this study, the parent or a first -degree relative must:
**Have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder
**Have no other neurological conditions

The child must:
** Be age 12 - 17 years old
** Have significant symptoms of depression and/or anxiety
** Have no braces or metal in your body
** Be a US citizen or non-citizen with a Green Card
** Read and speak English
** Have no immediate plans to leave the Bay Area

If you would like to receive more information, please call or email us at:
Phone: (650) 721-4049
General information about participant’s rights: 1-866-680-2906.

Thank you.