Therapeutic effects of short-term trauma stabilization techniques combined with escitalopram in treating adolescent major depressive disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial

This study explored the efficacy of short-term trauma stabilization techniques derived from EMDR therapy combined with escitalopram in the treatment of adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD).

Article Abstract

“Objective: To explore the efficacy of short-term trauma stabilization techniques combined with escitalopram in the treatment of adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods: A total of 80 patients with MDD who were hospitalized in the Psychosomatic Department of our hospital were selected and randomly divided into two groups: the escitalopram combined with short-term trauma stabilization technique group (study group) and the escitalopram combined with mental health education group (control group). Upon hospitalization, patients completed the adolescent self-rating life events check list (ASLEC), impact of event scale-revised (IES-R), 17-item Hamilton depression scale (HAMD-17) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA). After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the IES-R, HAMD-17-17 and HAMA scores were reevaluated.

Results: There were no significant differences in the ASLEC, IES-R, HAMD-17 or HAMA scores between the two groups at admission. Compared with that of the control group, the IES-R score of the study group was significantly improved at the 2nd week of treatment (P < 0.01). By the 4th week of treatment, the IES-R scores in the study group had further improved compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Additionally, the HAMD-17 and HAMA scores in the study group were significantly improved compared to the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Escitalopram combined with short-term trauma stabilization is more effective in the treatment of MDD than escitalopram with mental health education, warranting further exploration.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access 

Xu, J., Wu, J., Wang, X., Chen, Q., Xu, R., Xu, Y., Geng, X., & Tang, Y. (2025). Therapeutic effects of short-term trauma stabilization techniques combined with escitalopram in treating adolescent major depressive disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry, 25: 176. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-06624-7

About the Journal

“BMC Psychiatry is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that encompasses a wide range of topics, including psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and psychosocial approaches to psychiatric disorders, as well as genetics, pathophysiology, and epidemiology research.”

—Description from publisher