Universal adolescent depression prevention programs: a review

Abstract

Although the subject of adolescent depression has gained significant attention, little is being done in the way of primary prevention. The purpose of this article is to conduct a review of the literature through the lens of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework. This review was conducted utilizing several online databases, as well as web and hand searches. Eleven studies were identified through a process of elimination and critically appraised by a two-tiered method. Results indicated cognitive-behavioral universal prevention interventions can be effective on decreasing depressive symptomalogy in adolescents. All reviewed studies were conducted in the school environment by professionals and/or school staff; however, only three of the programs implemented demonstrated adoption and sustainability. School nurses can be instrumental in bridging the gap between the planning and developing of prevention programs and translation into the real-world school environment.

Keywords: adolescent depression; childhood; health promotion; interventions and school nurses; prevention programs; school-based.