Prevention of Depression: A Review of Literature

Abstract

This article provides a review of recent literature, current and ongoing research in the field of prevention of depression. It highlights the efforts employed in targeting vulnerable and susceptible individuals at higher risk of developing depression. Prevention efforts should target both specific and non-specific risk factors, enhance protective factors, use a developmental approach, and target selective and/or indicated samples. In general, our review suggested that employing specific strategies and interventions that are targeted at high-risk individuals or groups may reduce rates of depression, its associated mortality and morbidity. Overall, it appears that there is a reason for hope regarding the role of interventions in preventing depressive disorders in high-risk groups. Several new directions for future research on the prevention of depression in high-risk groups were outlined.