ABSTRACT
Background: The number of young people with mental health (MH) problems presenting in general practice and the prescribing of psychotropic medicines, particularly antidepressants have been steadily increasing over the last decade. This trend has accelerated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: To identify key issues relating to management of psychological distress, depression and anxiety disorders in people aged between 16 and 24 years. Mapping issues to behavioural change techniques and appropriate interventions to form an education programme for health professionals and young people. Methods: Desktop research, environmental scanning and interviews with consumers, health professionals, stakeholder organisations and experts in youth MH were conducted to identify issues and education themes. Interventions were informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (Cane et al., 2012;Michie S et al., 2005) and Behaviour Change Techniques (Michie et al., 2008, 2013). Feasibility, relevance and acceptability of interventions were reviewed by health professionals, young people and other stakeholders alongside the programme scope, focus and key messages. Findings: Education themes identified for the programme include communication to empower young people to manage their MH, comprehensive assessment for young people in distress, engagement of health professionals and young people in consideration of management options, and careful review of treatment effects over time. Interventions selected include educational outreach in general practices, general practice data feedback, online articles, videos, podcasts and webinars. Conclusion: The proposed programme focuses on building young peoples' health literacy and general practitioners' knowledge, skills and confidence. It will aim to improve young peoples' experience of MH care, connections with health professionals and engagement with treatment options.