Publications [#271806] of John F. Curry

Journal Articles

1. Curry, JF; Wells, KC; Lochman, JE; Craighead, WE; Nagy, PD (2003). Cognitive-behavioral intervention for depressed, substance-abusing adolescents: development and pilot testing.. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(6), 656-665. [12921473], [doi]
   (last updated on 2023/06/01)

   Abstract:
   OBJECTIVES: To develop a cognitive-behavioral treatment for depressed, substance-abusing adolescents, determine its feasibility, and test its association with symptomatic improvement. METHOD: Based on the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral interventions for either adolescent depression or substance abuse, an integrated group and family therapy intervention was developed for adolescents with both problems. The developers treated a group of six adolescents and families, and then trained experienced therapists to deliver the treatment to a second group of seven. Adolescents were 14 to 18 years of age. Measures of depression and substance abuse were collected before, during, and after treatment. RESULTS: High retention in treatment and attendance at sessions supported feasibility. Parent interviews demonstrated significant improvement in adolescent substance abuse, and adolescent measures demonstrated significant improvement in both domains. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated outpatient cognitive-behavioral intervention is feasible and associated with improvement for depressed, substance-abusing adolescents. Controlled efficacy studies are needed. Additional treatment modalities will be required for a proportion of these adolescents.