title: Parenting strategies for reducing the risk of adolescent depression and anxiety disorders: a Delphi consensus study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The family setting, particularly parents, is a strategic target for preventive interventions for youth depression and anxiety disorders. However, more effective translation of relevant research evidence is required.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study employed the Delphi methodology to establish expert consensus on parenting strategies that are important for preventing adolescent depression or anxiety disorders. A literature search identified 402 recommendations for parents. These were presented to a panel of 27 international experts over three survey rounds, who rated their preventive importance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One-hundred and ninety parenting strategies were endorsed as important or essential in reducing adolescents' risk of developing depression or anxiety disorders by ≥90% of the panel. These strategies were written into a document suitable for parents, categorised under 11 sub-headings: You can reduce your child's risk of depression and anxiety problems, Establish and maintain a good relationship with your teenager, Be involved and support increasing autonomy, Establish family rules and consequences, Minimise conflict in the home, Encourage supportive relationships, Help your teenager deal with problems, Encourage good health habits, Help your teenager to deal with anxiety, Encourage professional help seeking when needed, and Don׳t blame yourself.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study utilised an international panel of experts from Western countries, hence the strategies identified may not be relevant for families from other cultural groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study produced a set of parenting strategies that are supported by research evidence and/or international experts, which can now be promoted in Western English-speaking communities to help parents protect their adolescents from depression and anxiety disorders.
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia; Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: marie.yap@monash.edu.
authors.forename: Marie B H
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Yap
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia; Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Pamela D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Pilkington
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia; Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Siobhan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.affiliation: Mental Health First Aid Australia, Australia; School of Psychology, Deakin University, Australia.
authors.forename: Claire M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia; Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Anthony F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Jorm
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003697:Delphi Technique; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Anxiety; Delphi; Depression; Family; Prevent