Effect of a multicomponent depression prevention intervention on depressive symptoms, anxiety and well-being among adolescents with risk for depression: A pilot study

Prevention of an initial episode of depression among adolescents at risk prevents the personal, social and societal effects of a Major Depressive Episode.

The study was conducted among adolescents with age between 12 to 18 years, studying in two selected schools of Ernakulam district. A total of 400 adolescents from two selected schools were screened using Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CESD) for sub-clinical depression. 40 adolescents with scores between 8 and 17 were included in the study. For the experimental group, pre-test was conducted using Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) and WHO 5 well -being index. After the pre-test the adolescents were given a structured intervention program with four sessions administered over four consecutive weeks. The post test was conducted immediately after the last session of the intervention, and at 1 month following the intervention using the same tools. For the control group, after pre- test, post -test was conducted after four weeks and at 8 weeks following the pre- test without intervention.

The study result showed that there was a significant statistical difference in the average depression scores before intervention and after first post test (p = 0.00) and also after second post- test (p = 0.00). A significant statistical difference was also identified between depression scores of intervention and control group (p = 0.00). A similar effect was noted for anxiety and depression as well.

The study concluded that the multi-component intervention was effective in reducing depressive symptoms and anxiety among adolescents.