Dataset on the effects of psychological care on depression and suicide ideation in underrepresented children

Xuerong Liu1, Wei Li1, Jie Gong2

  • 1Experimental Research Center for Medical and Psychological Science (ERC-MPS), School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.

Scientific Data
|March 20, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Primary psychological healthcare significantly reduced depression and suicidal ideation in underserved children and adolescents. This large-scale study provides crucial data on mental health interventions for vulnerable youth populations.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Mental Health Services Research
  • Global Public Health

Background:

  • Rising rates of depression and suicide pose a significant threat to children and adolescents globally.
  • Existing psychological healthcare policies lack comprehensive data on their effectiveness, especially for vulnerable populations.
  • Underrepresentation of underprivileged children in lower-middle-income countries in mental health research hinders policy development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of primary psychological healthcare on reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.
  • To address the data gap concerning mental health interventions for underrepresented and vulnerable youth.
  • To provide evidence for effective psychological healthcare strategies in diverse child and adolescent populations.

Main Methods:

  • A large-scale, multi-center cohort dataset of 249,772 children and adolescents was analyzed.
  • Data on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation were collected at baseline (October 2022) and six-month follow-up (May 2023).
  • The study focused on various underrepresented groups, including unattended children, orphans, and those in difficult circumstances.

Main Results:

  • Primary psychological healthcare demonstrated a significant effect in decreasing depression.
  • The intervention also showed a notable reduction in suicidal ideation among participants.
  • The findings highlight the positive impact of accessible mental health services for at-risk youth.

Conclusions:

  • Primary psychological healthcare is an effective strategy for mitigating depression and suicidal ideation in children and adolescents.
  • This research underscores the importance of inclusive mental health policies and interventions for vulnerable youth populations.
  • The study provides robust evidence supporting the implementation of psychological healthcare systems in underserved communities.

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