This page contains the findings of systematic reviews undertaken by the EPPI Centre Health Promotion and Public Health Reviews Reviews Facility

Depression in children and young people

• Studies on depression prevention showed that knowledge-based sessions of short duration are not effective in improving long-term depressive symptoms, risk factors, knowledge, attitudes or intentions.[1]
• One systematic review [2] found that cognitive-behavioural therapy delivered to young people in secondary schools can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Depression, anxiety and Hepatitis C

Findings from 22 studies [3] examining the association between depression and/or anxiety and HCV indicate that people living with HCV are approximately three times more likely to be depressed than those without HCV. Further, depression and anxiety are statistically significantly likely to be more severe in those with HCV than in those without. Counsellors might use these findings to recognise the potential need for increased support to cope with these extrahepatic conditions and tailor advice and referrals accordingly.

References

1. Young people and mental health: a systematic review of research on barriers and facilitators (2001)

2. Inequalities and the mental health of young people: a systematic review of secondary school-based cognitive behavioural interventions  (2009)

3. Depression, anxiety, pain and quality of life in people living with chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2015)