School-Based Approaches to Prevent Depression in Adolescents

Abstract

Depression is one of the highest prevalent mental illnesses and is one of the common illnesses that can have its onset during childhood or adolescence. It is estimated that up to 20% of children experience mental illness worldwide. Preventing the onset of depression in children and adolescents should be a vital public health goal that will improve public health and decrease health care costs. We reviewed literature that described school-based interventions to prevent the onset of depression, reduce the severity of depressive symptoms, and enhance global functioning in adolescents. Our research also provides strategies for school-based intervention programs that are mainly categorized into three main subtypes. We also discussed each subtype and its advantages and limitations. The goal is to bring the readers an understanding of the importance of preventing depression on a community level, beginning at schools.

Depressive disorders in childhood

“…72 FORECAST Treatment-resistant depression was defined as the lack of response to at least one adequate prior trial (both in dose and duration) of a major class of antidepressants; preventive efforts made in the early stages of childhood development effectively prevent the psychological morbidity and promote good mental health in school-going children. 73,74 CONCLUSION Depression in childhood is a pathology that can have repercussions in adult life, and the damage it causes can lead to death, so it must be treated as an important health problem, like any other disease, to improve quality life of children and adolescents who suffer from it. Listen and offer comfort.…”

Effectiveness of psychosocial intervention for internalizing behavior problems among children of parents with alcohol dependence: Randomized controlled trial

“…Empirical evidence indicates that school-based and community-based prevention programs are effective in preventing depression, anxiety, or both in high-risk children and adolescents[ 18 , 19 ]. In India, most of the adolescent population can be approached through schools and colleges.…”

“…School is an ideal location for delivering group therapy as children with common problems can be gathered and needed interventions can be provided. Studies also indicate that school-based intervention is effective in reducing behavioral problems[ 18 , 19 ].…”