Intervenciones psicoterapéuticas para la depresión en estudiantes universitarios. Una revisión sistemática

Abstract

Depression is one of the major mental health problems among university students, and its onset can be attributed to academic, psychosocial, and contextual factors associated with this developmental stage. The present study aimed to provide a systematic review of therapeutic interventions applied to this population under PRISMA guidelines, focusing on effectiveness, intervention conditions, and methodological shortcomings. Articles were identified, selected, and thematically analyzed, with 72 studies (published between 2018 and 2024) included and assessed for quality using a coding matrix and the CASP tool to examine methodological rigor. The findings indicate that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Activation (BA), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are the most evidence-based interventions. However, several limitations were observed, including small sample sizes, protocol heterogeneity, and a lack of cultural representation. It is concluded that the evidence supports these therapies as first-line interventions, yet longitudinal and culturally tailored studies with stronger methodological robustness are still required