Abstract
Interpersonal difficulties are often implicated in the onset of depressive disorders, and typically exacerbate depressive symptoms. This is particularly true for young people, given rapid changes in, and the increased importance of, their social relationships. The purpose of this narrative review was to identify empirically supported interventions that aim to prevent or treat depression in young people by facilitating improvements in their social environment. We conducted a search of controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of such interventions, published between 1980 and June 2020. Our literature search and interpretation of results was informed by consultations with clinical experts and youth consumers and advocates. A number of promising approaches were identified with respect to prevention and treatment. Preliminary evidence was identified suggesting that school- and Internet-based approaches present a viable means to prevent the worsening of depressive symptoms in young people. Notably, delivering interpersonal psychotherapy—adolescent skills training (IPT-AST) in schools appears to be a promising early intervention strategy for young people at risk of full-threshold depressive disorder. In terms of treating depressive disorders in young people, there is strong evidence for the efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents (IPT-A), and preliminary evidence in favour of attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Results are discussed with respect to recommendations for future research and practice.
Highlights
Interpersonal difficulties are often implicated in the onset of depressive disorders, and typically exacerbate depressive symptoms
To aid in refining our search strategy, and to ensure we focused on areas relevant to young people, and clinicians working with young people, we conducted one-on-one interviews with clinicians, and stakeholder consultation sessions with young people from the Youth Research Council at Orygen
In addition to the search terms developed with the medical librarian, terms pertaining to interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), social connectedness and perceived social support were included in the search strategy
Summary
Interpersonal difficulties are often implicated in the onset of depressive disorders, and typically exacerbate depressive symptoms. Young people can experience painful losses and challenging social circumstances that increase risk for depression, such as first romantic break-ups, problems with peers, familial conflict as growing independence is exerted and challenges associated with transitioning from school to employment[15,16] At this critical stage of social identity formation, fostering supportive relationships provides lifelong resources to prevent or manage depressive illness, but aid in mitigating the long-term health and economic consequences of experiencing depressive symptoms. Given that problems in social relationships can be targeted and modified, prevention or treatment approaches explicitly targeting such issues present a promising opportunity for health professionals and policy makers to make a meaningful difference to young people at risk of, or experiencing, depression This is significant when considering that the onset of depression commonly occurs during adolescence, with age of onset peaking during the early-mid 20s17,18. The aim of this narrative review was to identify best-practice, evidence-based approaches that aim to prevent or treat depression in young people by facilitating improvements in social relationships
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
