Mental health struggles are tough anywhere, but for young people in low- and middle-income countries, help can be hard to find. A new review of 30 studies suggests that public health interventions, like therapy-based programs and digital tools, can make a real difference.
The review looked at 26 studies on depression and 4 on schizophrenia, involving young people aged 15 to 29. It found that 25 of the studies reported significant improvements in mental health outcomes. The interventions included cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior activation, and digital health options like computerized therapy and messaging services.
These findings are promising, but there are important caveats. The studies had short follow-up periods of six months or less, so we don't know if the benefits last. Also, the review didn't report on side effects or how well people tolerated the treatments. More research is needed to confirm these results over time and in different settings.
