The effectiveness of peer support from a person with lived experience of mental health challenges for young people with anxiety and depression: A systematic review [Embase].

Abstract Background: Peer support has become increasingly popular in adult mental health services to complement existing care provided by clinicians with formal training. The same is now happening to support young people with anxiety and depression but it is unclear what the evidence base of peer support in this population is. Methods: A systematic search was conducted with the Orygen Evidence Finder database, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO from January 1980 to 21 July 2022. Controlled trials of interventions aimed to educate or treat young people (mean age between 14-24) to improve their mental health, which were delivered by a peer worker with lived experienced of mental health challenges were included. Outcomes related to depression or anxiety were extracted. Study quality was rated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme.