A Scoping Review of Evidence-Based Interventions for Adolescents with Depression and Suicide Related Behaviors in Low and Middle Income Countries

Depression is the number one cause of disability for adolescents. Moreover, depression is the strongest predictor for suicide, which is the second cause for death among adolescents worldwide. A total of 22 RCTs conducted in 14 different LMICs have been reviewed. This is a significant effort to provide mental health services for adolescents in LMICs. However, considering that 2/3 of the world’s countries meet criteria for LMIC status and 75% of suicides occur in LMICs, more research addressing both understanding and intervention/prevention of depression and suicide must be conducted in these countries.