For Parents

Building on our previous work with depressed adults, our team has created an online depression treatment program for adolescents called the LEAP Project. This study is now being piloted in Calgary. The LEAP Project aims to treat depression by guiding depressed adolescents through an exploration of life values including Self Acceptance, Appreciating Life's Beauty, Experiencing Mystery in Life, Gratitude, Compassion, Acceptance and Forgiveness. Video clips and true stories written by young people are used to reinforce the materials and to validate the teen's feelings. Participants will learn relaxation techniques and will apply their newly learned insights with weekly off-line practices.

Adolescent depression is a prevalent illness in Canada and presents a high burden for affected teens and their families. Amongst Canadian teenagers depressive disorders are on the rise and their onset is occurring earlier in life. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that spiritual wellness may play a role in the recovery of depression. Considering the limitations of available treatments for teen depression and the significant burden of the disease there is a need for new treatment options that are safe, effective and acceptable to teens.

Approximately 50 young people, aged 13-18, with major unipolar depression will take part in this pilot study. Your son/daughter can participate if he/she meets the project eligibility criteria.

How can I join the LEAP Project?
Because the LEAP Project is brand new, it needs to be tested first in a pilot study. At this stage the way to be part of the LEAP Project is to join the study.
To participate:

• You must be between 13 - 18 years of age
• You must live in Calgary, its surrounding area, or be able to attend study visits in Calgary (4-5 appointments over 6 months)
• You must be diagnosed with depression OR suspect that you suffer from depression (Not sure? Find out below.)
• You must have support and permission to participate from your parent(s)/guardian(s) AND a health care professional (family doctor or mental health therapist). If you don't have a health care professional let us know and we may be able to help you obtain one

What do I need to do if I join the study?
The LEAP Project requires a time commitment of 2 hours a week online and 10 minutes every day trying out the simple weekly tools or practices. In addition, all participants will be required to:

Attend 4 assessment visits, one visit every 8 weeks for 24 weeks, where you will complete questionnaires and a trained professional will ask you questions about your depression. (All information we collect will be kept strictly confidential.)

Be randomized into either the Intervention Group where you participate in the program right away or to the Delayed Treatment Group where you start the program after 8 weeks.

Continue current schedule of depression treatments for the first 8 weeks.

Share with us how often you are using the program.

This project has been approved by the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board at the University of Calgary and the Child Health Research Office at the Alberta Children's Hospital.

There are no anticipated risks. Your son/daughter may discontinue his/her participation in the LEAP Project at any time or access resources in an emergency situation.

Participation in the LEAP Project is offered to your son/daughter free of charge. You will be reimbursed for pre-approved study related travel expenses within Calgary.

If your son/daughter is under 18 years of age you, as the parent or guardian, will have to provide written consent. You may also choose to provide transportation for your son/daughter to attend the appointments at CINIM.

The study coordinator will provide you with more specific details of the program and answer all of your questions. For more information, feel free to contact Niki Rickhi at LEAP@cinim.org or at (403) 220-0022 ext. 222.