Prevention of depression : Current status of research

Even if many authors underscore the importance of working to prevent depression, some practical and theoretical confusions still plague this field of research: What is depression? How to define prevention? What should be the theoretical basis of a program to prevent depression? Is it possible to prevent depression? It is with the objective to shed some light on these topics that the present article was written. First, we expose some evidence in favor of a continuous definition of depression. Second, we propose a definition of prevention that is compatible with a continuous definition of depression. Third, we formulate the main parts of an integrative biopsychosocial model of depression. Finally, we review the principals selective and universal depression prevention programs. On the basis of this review, we conclude that it is possible to prevent depression selectively and universally. However, it seems that, to be effective, these programs should not take a traditional therapeutic orientation but should follow the principles of organizational change (universal prevention programs) and try to improve the fit between an individual and his/her environment (selective prevention program).