Abstract
Depression, suicidal ideation and self-harm are common in adolescents; however, such difficulties often remain undetected. The aim of this study is to combine a school-based depression education program with a case-detection system in order to improve the recognition of depression; increase help-seeking; reduce stigma; and identify people at risk. The study employed a pre-test, post-test design with a wait-list control group. Participants were 343 14- to 16-year-old boys attending an Australian secondary school. The intervention comprised a one-off, 2-h workshop. Participants were assessed via questionnaire at three time points; the case-detection tool was embedded in the questionnaire. Participation led to an increased likelihood of seeking help; an increased likelihood of rating a relevant professional as helpful and improved attitudes. The screening led to the detection of 20 at-risk students. The program led to short-term improvements in mental health literacy and to the identification of several at-risk students.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the staff at Melbourne High School for their support with this project. This study was funded by The Bennelong Foundation, The Myer Foundation and the Rotary Club of Camberwell in partnership with the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund. ORYGEN Youth Health Research Centre is affiliated with Melbourne Health and The University of Melbourne and receives funding from the Colonial Foundation.
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Robinson, J., Gook, S., Yuen, H.P. et al. Depression Education and Identification in Schools: An Australian-based Study. School Mental Health 2, 13–22 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-009-9022-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-009-9022-9