Biobehavioral Predictors of Illness Progression in Adolescent Depression (FLASH)

Adolescence is an important time for development, and it is often a time in which mental health challenges can emerge. Our group is trying to learn more about how our bodies work and why some young people might experience mental health challenges, like depression, so we can find ways to help and support adolescents. Specifically, we want to understand more about what's happening in your brain, the chemicals that affect your mood, and how your body's immune system might be involved

The study will be up to 5 visits over 2 years.
Baseline: clinical visit (1) and scan visit (2)
1-year follow-up: clinical visit (3) and scan visit (4)
2-year follow-up: clinical visit (5)

The clinical visits will take place either on-site or remotely and include a diagnostic clinician on the study team. Clinical feedback is available to interested families

The scan visits will take place at Mount Sinai Medical Center and include medical evaluations, interviews, and questionnaires.

Inclusion criteria:

- Ages 12-17
- Experiencing symptoms of depression (e.g., persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite)
- Not taking medications (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro) 
- Able to undergo MRI scan (no braces, permanent retainers, metal implants) 

Exclusion criteria:

- Suicidal ideations (SI) necessitating immediate clinical attention or hospitalization
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Substance related disorders
- Current psychotic symptoms

Conditions:
• Depression