Integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of adolescent depression

Recent evidence from the Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS) suggests that combining cognitive behavioral and pharmacological treatments holds the most promise for ameliorating depression among adolescents. This article describes lessons learned during the TADS trial about how to integrate these two treatments in the care of adolescents with depression. Toward this end, both common and unique components of each perspective's approach to data gathering and treatment selection are presented. Procedures for changing “dosage” and adding adjunctive treatments to each of these interventions are also discussed. Finally, issues related to sequencing treatments and guidelines for sharing information across treatment providers are offered.