Effectiveness of preventive interventions on adolescents' depression and suicidal tendency: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: This study was conducted to review the effectiveness of preventive mental health interventions for adolescents (aged 11-19 years) in reducing depression and suicidal tendencies. Methods: A systematic search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the databases Results: Out of 1,210 studies, 13 RCTs were incorporated. The interventions yielded varied outcomes, with approximately half of the RCTs demonstrating reductions in depression and suicidal tendencies, comparable to the control group. Post-intervention, the majority of interventions exhibited mild to moderate effect sizes; however, further research is warranted to assess their long-term efficacy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based psychoeducation interventions served as the primary approach, often implemented in school settings. However, these interventions were primarily delivered by specialists rather than teachers. Parental involvement in treatment emerged as a potential factor that could enhance the effectiveness of preventive interventions. Discussion and conclusion: While numerous interventions in this review showed effects comparable to control groups, the diversity in methodology, intervention types, and outcome measures poses challenges in drawing definitive conclusions. Therefore, future research should prioritize addressing these methodological discrepancies within their respective contexts.