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 schoolbased 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.