When it comes to depression, children and adolescents make up a vulnerable population in Ontario – a key focus of EENet. The network has been profiling recent systematic reviews that address its priorities. One such review, led by researchers in New Zealand and Australia, notes that depression is common and has a major impact on the lives of young people.
Sally N. Merry and other researchers rounded up studies of programs designed to prevent the onset of depression in young people. They found that psychological depression prevention programs were effective in preventing depression, with a number of studies showing a decrease in episodes of depressive illness over a year. They also found evidence to support both targeted and universal programs. This is important since universal programs are easier to implement.
For more information about the review, made available by the Cochrane Collaboration, you can to go www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com.