School-based interventions for depression and anxiety in children and adolescents

By the age of 18 up to 20% of children will have suffered with an emotional disorder of anxiety or depression.1 Anxiety and depressive disorders frequently co-occur, are persistent and adversely impact on everyday functioning, academic achievement, peer and family relationships.2 They are associated with significant morbidity both during childhood and early adulthood and are leading causes of health-related burden.1 ,3

Empirically supported psychological treatments for anxiety and depression have been developed although the availability of these within clinical services is limited. Of those who receive evidence-based treatments the effects are often modest. Approximately half show a clinically meaningful improvement with relapse, particularly for depression, being common.4 ,5 However, comparatively few children with emotional disorders are ever identified and referred for treatment with the majority having no contact with mental health services.6