Advances in Evidence-Based Interventions for Depression and Anxiety: Implications for Mental Health Nursing Practice

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide, affecting individuals across all age groups and contributing significantly to the global burden of disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), depression affects more than 280 million people globally, while anxiety disorders impact over 300 million individuals. These conditions are often chronic, recurrent, and associated with substantial impairments in social, occupational, and physical functioning. Advances in evidence-based interventions have transformed the management of depression and anxiety, shifting the focus from symptom suppression to holistic approaches that emphasize recovery, resilience, and long-term well-being. Mental health nurses, as integral members of multidisciplinary teams, play a vital role in implementing, coordinating, and evaluating these interventions in both hospital and community settings.The purpose of this review is to synthesize current evidence-based practices for managing depression and anxiety and explore their implications for nursing practice. The review draws upon studies published between 2015 and 2025, retrieved from databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus. Search terms included “depression,” “anxiety,” “evidence-based interventions,” “mental health nursing,” “psychotherapy,” and “pharmacological treatment.” A total of 25 studies, clinical guidelines, and systematic reviews were included after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify core strategies and innovations in care.The findings highlight that a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions produces optimal outcomes for most patients. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) were shown to be highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving coping skills. Pharmacological treatments, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), remain first-line options for moderate to severe cases. Innovative approaches such as digital mental health platforms, telepsychiatry, and nurse-led psychoeducation have also demonstrated effectiveness in expanding access and improving adherence. Importantly, the review emphasizes the role of nurses in providing patient-centered care, conducting ongoing assessments, delivering therapeutic communication, promoting adherence, and addressing psychosocial needs.The review concludes that integrating evidence-based interventions into mental health nursing practice is essential to improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient empowerment, and reduce stigma associated with depression and anxiety. Mental health nurses must be equipped with up-to-date knowledge, advanced skills in therapeutic modalities, and cultural competence to tailor interventions to diverse populations. Ongoing training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the use of technology are recommended to strengthen nursing practice in this domain.