CPSTF Recommends School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Programs to Reduce Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends school-based cognitive behavioral therapy programs to prevent or reduce depression and anxiety symptoms among school-aged children and adolescents. Recommendations include two types of programs: Universal programs are delivered to all children and adolescents, and targeted programs are directed toward children and adolescents who are assessed to be at increased risk for depression or anxiety. Evidence showed small decreases in symptoms of depression and anxiety. A team of specialists in systematic review methods and in mental health research, practice, and policy assessed evidence from 81 studies identified in the following published review: Werner-Seidler A, Perry Y, Calear AI, Newby JM, Christensen H. School-based depression and anxiety prevention programs for young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review 2017;51;30-47.

Why is this important? Depression and anxiety are common among children and adolescents, and they can persist into adulthood, increasing risks for suicide, risk-taking behavior (e.g., substance abuse, sexual experimentation), teenage pregnancy, conduct disorder, delinquency, and poor academic outcomes.1-3 Among children aged 3-17 years, 3.2% have diagnosed depression and 7.1% have diagnosed anxiety.4

Share this information with others! Intervention Summary—read a summary of the evidence review and CPSTF finding for universal and targeted programs News and Announcement—include this story in your newsletter, or share the link with colleagues One-Pager—use these one-pagers for universal and targeted programs as a quick reference Twitter®—retweet @CPSTF messages about the new recommendation or tweet one of the following examples: @CPSTF recommends school-based cognitive behavioral therapy programs to prevent or reduce depression and anxiety symptoms among school-aged children and adolescents. https://www.thecommunityguide.org/content/school-based-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-programs Anxiety and depression are common among children and adolescents, and these symptoms can persist into adulthood. @CPSTF recommends school-based cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. https://www.thecommunityguide.org/content/school-based-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-programs New @CPSTF rec: School-based cognitive behavioral therapy programs prevent or reduce depression and anxiety symptoms among school-aged children and adolescents. https://www.thecommunityguide.org/content/school-based-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-programs References Werner-Seidler A, Perry Y, Calear AI, Newby JM, Christensen H. School-based depression and anxiety prevention programs for young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review 2017;51;30-47. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Facts and Statistics. Silver Spring (MD): 2018. [Cited 10/1/18]. Available from URL: https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics. Weller EB, Weller RA. Depression in adolescents growing pains or true morbidity? [Review] [20 refs]. Journal of Affective Disorders 2000;61:Suppl-13. Ghandour RM, Sherman LJ, Vladutiu CJ, Ali MM, Lynch SE, Bitsko RH, Blumberg SJ. Prevalence and treatment of depression, anxiety, and conduct problems in U.S. children. Journal of Pediatrics 2019; 206:256–67. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd   Atlanta, GA 30333   1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348Questions or Problems  |  Unsubscribe