Mental Health Interventions among Adolescents in India: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Early adolescence is the period of the emergence of most mental disorders contributing significantly to the mental health burden globally, including India. The major challenges in India are early identification of mental health problems, treatment gap, lack of professionals, and interventions that address the same. Our review aimed to assess the effectiveness of mental health interventions among adolescents in India. We systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases and used cross-referencing to review the interventions published from 2010 to 2020. Eleven interventions were included in this review; nine were school-based, one community, and one digital. Most of the school-based programs used a life skills curriculum. Additionally, coping skills and resilience curricula showed improvement in depressive symptoms, cognitive abilities, academic stress, problem-solving, and overall mental well-being. The multi-component whole-school intervention was quite promising and helped in improving the overall school climate and various other mental health outcomes. Hence, school-based programs should be implemented as an entry point for screening mental health problems. However, there is a need for a more comprehensive mental health program in the country for adolescents. Additionally, there is a need to address the gap by conducting more interventions for early and out-of-school adolescents.

Nursing Intervention for Preventing Cyberbullying and Reducing Its Negative Impact on Students: A Scoping Review

“…The results of the scoping review regarding school-based programs have proven to be effective in reducing the negative impact of bullying on students. 69 Nurses and teachers become counselors in this program to discuss solutions to cyberbullying problems experienced by students. Nurses can also facilitate activities and peer-support to become facilitators in school-based program activities.…”

Types of Digital-Based Nursing Interventions for Reducing Stress and Depression Symptoms on Adolescents During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

“…This is in line with previous studies which showed that digital-based counseling interventions were carried out for 10 weeks to reduce stress symptoms in college students. 14,36 The length of time the intervention aims to monitor the participants' progress in a complex manner in Another study also showed that digital intervention was carried out for 16 weeks through the zoom application as a means of counseling to solve problems experienced by participants. 55,56 Activities are carried out with education then meditation online so that it takes longer time than offline interventions.…”

“…Other studies have shown that the negative impact of using technology in the implementation of counseling is that the counseling schedule does not match and there is internet interference, so that participants cannot fully participate in counseling activities. 14,25 If viewed from a health care perspective, technology-based nursing interventions will suit the ability of staff to use and mobilize their abilities to use technology. So nurses need to pay attention to the use of technology in providing nursing care by considering patient needs.…”

“…Peer groups have an important role in adolescent identity. 14 This is certainly a challenge for adolescent growth and development in terms of psychosocial, emotional development, and also mental health. Youth mental health is the same importance of physical health.…”

The Role of Different Behavioral and Psychosocial Factors in the Context of Pharmaceutical Cognitive Enhancers’ Misuse

“…According to Szot et al [ 46 ], it is also important to have an adequate intake of minerals and vitamins, which also have a positive influence on cognitive functions. Furthermore, some authors [ 47 ] also advise the implementation of interventions using a multi-component whole-school approach and life skill curriculum as a preventive measure, to improve mental health outcomes and, consequently, reduce students’ chances of consuming PCEs later.…”