Reducing anxiety to prevent depression.

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders. Accordingly, treatment research has flourished; however, prevention efforts have lagged behind. The extant literature is reviewed on the relationship between anxiety and depression and the potential for childhood anxiety interventions to reduce the risks of secondary depression. Additionally, methodologic issues and recommendations in the design of depression prevention programs are presented. Research appears to support the view that anxiety plays a role in the development of depression; yet, the nature of that role remains unclear.