The Issue: In Canada, about 15% of children have a mental health problem that could be resolved if treatment was offered. Too often there aren’t enough therapists for children  who need treatment. Prevention would reduce the lifelong effects on the individuals who experience them, and their societal costs. Young people with conduct disorder are at high risk for becoming involved in criminal activity and being jailed. Those with anxiety or depression have lowered quality of life, fewer social supports and reduced achievements at school and work.

The Research: This was a systematic review of Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designed to prevent mental health disorders in children. Nine studies were on the prevention of conduct disorder, one was on anxiety, and four were on depression. One study looked at all three.  Parent training, child social skills training, and Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) were the types of interventions used.

The Results: Of 15 RCTs assessed, 10 showed significant improvements in child behaviours and symptoms.  The best programs for conduct disorder targeted at-risk children by providing parenting training or social skills training for the children.  A program given to all 10-to 13-year-old students in a school and their parents,  Friends (http://www.friendsinfo.net/ca.htm) worked well to prevent anxiety. The program Coping with Stress  http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/legacy_fulldetails.asp?LEGACY_ID=1100 was effective when given to students at risk for depression because of their own and their parents’ symptoms of depression.

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The preceding is a summary of: Waddell C, Hua JM, Garland OM, Peters R, McEwan K. Preventing mental disorders in children. A systematic review to inform policy-making. Canadian Journal of Public Health. 2007; 98(3): 166-173.