The prevention of depression in children

Twenty, fifth- and sixth-grade students who reported mild depressive symptomatology were placed into a brief intervention program. The program was conducted over eight, weekly, 90-minute sessions and aimed to teach students depression management strategies and positive coping skills. Significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety and externalising behaviour were found and maintained for six months. The results lend support to the effectiveness of this brief program for early intervention in depression. The potential for the program to prevent the later development of clinical depression and related problems is discussed.