Grant: Cat Gr: Standards for Children/Youth Mental Health Serv. - primary care settings

Youth depression is prevalent, has risen sharply recently, and is associated with adverse outcomes, such as having more frequent and severe depressive episodes, suicide attempts, and greater impairment in social, cognitive, and occupational functioning compared to adult-onset depression. The provision of psychoeducation for youth depression (i.e., what depression is, what contributes to it, and how to address it) has been shown to reduce symptom distress and the need for more intensive treatment. However, the extent to which it is provided following a diagnosis varies, as does its depth of content. Thus, the development and dissemination of contemporary clinical practice guidelines (PGs) on the provision of psychoeducation for youth depression is urgently needed. This project has three main objectives: (1) through a systematic review, identify, evaluate, and appraise all PGs on psychoeducation for youth depression; (2) using qualitative methods, elicit multi-stakeholders' perceptions of the barriers/facilitators to implementing PGs on psychoeducation for youth depression; and (3) using a co-design process with youth with lived experiences of depression, caregivers, and child health care providers, develop recommendations for national PGs on psychoeducation for youth depression. Our team has extensive experience with systematic reviews, qualitative methods, and engaging with youth, caregivers, and providers. Together with our stakeholders, we have expansive networks and resources to help disseminate findings and outputs. We will use a robust knowledge mobilization strategy to relay information on optimal approaches for delivering psychoeducation on youth depression, with the ultimate goal of increasing the likelihood that psychoeducation on youth depression is provided, and that the mental health of Canadian youth is improved.