Anxiety and depressive disorders in children are common. The British Mental Health survey estimated that 3.7% of 5-15 year-olds met the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder and 1% had a depressive disorder. Co-morbidity between anxiety and depression is common and around 15-18% of children will have experienced an impairing anxiety or depression by the age of 16-17 years old.

The prevalence of emotional problems, which often can persist into adulthood and the subsequent impact on individuals’ lives, is a major public health issue. The difficulty is that many children who experience anxiety and depression will not access evidence based treatment or specialist services. Very few will receive any form of help.

A recently published NIHR-funded study attempts to address this problem by focusing on the delivery of a prevention programme delivered in schools.