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3000 BCE
Depression
Depression is a disease recognized by Egyptian medicine for over 3000 years.
Hippocrates mentions in his Corpus Hippocraticum
the word “melancholy”, defined as a mental illness caused by black bile. -
Epidemiology
Approximately 1 in 5 adolescents will experience a depressive picture before the age
age of 18. -
Adolescence as a critical period
Depression rates in adolescents are increasing between the ages of 13 and 18, it is estimated that the cumulative incidence for this age group is similar to that of adults; however, despite the early onset of symptoms, a very low percentage gets early attention. -
Special attention
Suicide is known to be the third cause of death in the young population aged 15 to 25 years and may be the result of an unrecognized previous depressive episode therefore the lack of timely antidepressant treatment can trigger fatal consequences. -
Depressive disorder
It is a common mental health problem among young people around the world. The meta-analyzes suggest that prevalence in children under 13 is 2.8%, and increases to 5.7% in adolescents and young adults; relapse rates are high. -
Long-term negative consequences associated with the disorder
Difficulties in coexistence and socialization, poor vocational performance and increased risk for self-harm and suicide. -
Prevention for depression
Early intervention is the most effective strategy for preventing the consequences associated with the disease. -
Epidemiological study
In the group of adolescents with depression in the last 12 months, 60% received some type of treatment, but only a minority received specific treatment for the disorder or treatment from the mental health care sector. -
Depression in adolescents
The teen has at least 2 weeks of experience: A) persistent mood changes or b) loss of interest in pleasant activities practiced daily. In addition to another wide variety of symptoms such as increased or increased appetite, sleep, decreased energy, ideas of death, or suicide, also considering suicide attempts, these symptoms should represent a significant change in the level of functioning before the disease. -
TREATMENT
From a pharmacological point of view, effective Serotonin Recapture Inhibitors are the antidepressants of choice for this population of young people. -
PSYCHOTHERAPY
In the comprehensive treatment of a major depressive disorder, behavioral, interpersonal, and family cognitive therapy should always be considered, usually conducted by a qualified professional.
All forms of psychotherapy consider the subject as a whole, although seeing it from the perspective of the motivational forces of personality, psychotherapies can be individual. -
What can I do to help?
Promote good hea
Promote physical activity to help you establish positive relationships with others.
spending time alone with each parent, being praised for their good behavior, and their strengths help to narrow the toad between parents and children. Basic concepts for good mental health include a healthy diet, enough sleep, exercise, and positive relationships with others at home and school. -
Provide security and protection
-Educate others
-Help your teen foster understanding and adaptation techniques.
Help your child relax with physical and creative activities. Focus on the positive things of the teen -
Preventing depression during adolescence
• Talk about your feelings with someone you trust.
• Do not isolate. Keep in touch with family and friends.
• Exercise regularly, even if it's a short walk.
• Maintain regular eating and sleeping habits.
• Avoid or limit alcohol intake and refrain from using illicit drugs, as these products can make depression worse.
• Keep on doing the things you've always liked, even when you don't feel like it.
• Congratulate yourself on your accomplishments.