Adolescent depression and anxiety treatment in rural schools: A systematic review.

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental illnesses in adolescents. Rural schools are well-positioned to narrow the access gap confronting rural adolescents experiencing depression and anxiety; however, there is a paucity of research on the treatment of depression and anxiety in rural high schools. This critical review summarized the state of the field on rural school-based interventions to reduce adolescent depression and anxiety. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, PsychINFO, EMBASE, ERIC, and CINAHL databases. Inclusion criteria identified peer-reviewed articles evaluating rural high-school based interventions for the treatment of depression and/or anxiety. Of the 322 articles screened, 82 articles were reviewed, with four articles satisfying inclusion criteria. All studies examined a group-or classroom-based program to reduce depression. Three studies reported either significant pre-to post-intervention improvements or clinical change in depressive symptoms or coping skills; one study found null effects. While promising, there is an on-going need for additional rigorous investigations on rural high-school based interventions for the treatment of depression and anxiety among teens. Public Health Significance StatementThis critical review of the literature reveals promising school-based treatments to reduce depression among rural adolescents. At the same time, there is a significant need for more research on school-based interventions for rural youth, especially as it pertains to anxiety disorders.

Meeting the Mental Health and Behavioral Needs of Children and Youth in Rural Foster Care: The Role of Schools

“…Research focusing on the provision of mental health services and interventions in the rural school setting, although limited, indicates promising results (Berryhill et al, 2022;Sheridan et al, 2019), suggesting the potential for effective delivery of the EBTs we highlight here. While not specific to the rural setting, the EBTs we suggest recently demonstrated positive outcomes when offered within schools.…”

Development of an Online Training Platform and Implementation Strategy for School-Based Mental Health Professionals in Rural Elementary Schools: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…With adequate training and support, school-based mental health staff such as counselors, school psychologists, and social workers can deliver services to students and assist other school staff with implementing EBPs at the targeted and indicated levels. Such school professionals in rural schools are ideally positioned to address mental health problems because of their knowledge of mental health issues and their experience working with children (Berryhill et al, 2021 ; Foster, 2005 ). Unfortunately, most school professionals in rural settings are not trained on specific mental health EBPs (Siceloff et al, 2017 ) because of difficulty accessing training (Harmon et al, 2007 ).…”