Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mental illness that causes mood changes, primarily involving feelings of sadness. It may also lead to changes in thinking and slow down the body’s overall pace

The lifetime prevalence is, on average, 14.6% in developed countries and 11.1% in developing countries. Females are two to three times more likely to develop depression than males. Half of the cases begin showing symptoms between the ages of 20 and 50

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Depression Symptoms

The signs of depression can manifest through both psychological and physical symptoms. Among the most common are:

• Depressed mood and affect changes: The individual experiences persistent sadness, with a significant reduction in the ability to feel pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyable. In addition to sadness, apathy and emotional numbness are common, making the person react little or not at all to situations around them
• Physical symptoms: A lack of energy, slowed movements, and a constant feeling of fatigue are predominant. Although restlessness may occur, it is less frequent. Changes in sleep patterns are also noted, such as increased drowsiness and a persistent feeling of unrefreshing sleep, along with appetite changes, which may lead to weight gain or loss
• Cognitive performance: This may include memory decline, difficulty concentrating, and insecurity in decision-making
• Negative thoughts: These make it difficult for the individual to recognize the positive aspects of daily life, often accompanied by pessimism, negativity, feelings of guilt, and low self-esteem

It is important to note that not all of these symptoms need to be present, and they may fluctuate over time, with periods of improvement and worsening. It is also not uncommon for symptoms to vary within the same day. The most severe cases involve total paralysis, where the person struggles to carry out everyday activities

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is a crucial step in beginning treatment for depression and providing the necessary support to the patient. It is important to remember that depression is a disease, not a sign of weakness

Mental health professionals use specific criteria to assess and diagnose depression, including the persistent presence of symptoms such as deep sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts

The diagnosis must be made by a qualified physician or psychiatrist, who will consider the patient’s medical history and conduct clinical evaluations through interviews

Depression in Children and Adolescents

Depression can affect people of any age, including children and adolescents. At this stage of life, symptoms may manifest differently compared to adults, appearing as social withdrawal, decline in academic performance, and changes in sleep and appetite. Since these signs can be mistaken for typical adolescent behavior, it is essential for parents and guardians to pay close attention to significant changes in usual behavior.

Early intervention is crucial. Therefore, if you notice signs of depression in children or adolescents in your family or social circle, it is important to seek professional guidance for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Parents and guardians, find more information on the Einstein Wellness and Mental Health Space page:

Depression Treatment

Treatment for depression may involve a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the individual needs of the patient. The most common treatment methods include:

• psychological approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• use of antidepressant medication, prescribed by a physician
• self-care strategies, including regular physical activity, healthy eating, and stress management

In addition, social support plays a crucial role, with the involvement of family and friends contributing to recovery. It is essential that depression treatment be supervised by mental health professionals to ensure the patient’s recovery

Prevention

Depression prevention is a growing area in mental health, with an emphasis on promoting emotional well-being from an early age. Some important steps in preventing depression include:

• Promoting social support: Strengthening networks of family and friends is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and avoiding feelings of sadness
• Stress management: Practices such as meditation, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving help people cope more effectively with life’s challenges
• Healthy lifestyle: Encouraging regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and maintaining a proper sleep routine
• Early intervention: Identifying and treating mental health issues in their early stages can prevent progression to depression

Depression prevention is not solely the responsibility of the individual, but also of society as a whole, including healthcare institutions, schools, and communities

Attention: this content is for informational purposes only and does not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, burnout or any other emotional distress, seek medical or psychological guidance. You can contact Centro de Valorização da Vida (CVV) at 188. The service is free and available 24 hours a day.

If you are in the city of São Paulo, you can seek support at a Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS). To learn more about the CAPS units managed by Einstein, visit: Units

Taking care of your mental health is essential — you are not alone.

References

FRANÇA, Enmilly Oliveira et al. Fatores de risco para depressão na adolescência: uma revisão sistemática. Revista Brasileira de Neurologia e Psiquiatria, v. 26, n. 1, 2022
SANTO, PATRÍCIA FERREIRA et al. Avaliação do nível de depressão em indivíduos com feridas crônicas. Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica, v. 28, p. 665-671, 2023
SANTOS, Maria Luiza Cunha et al. Sintomas de depressão pós-parto e sua associação com as características socieconômicas e de apoio social. Escola Anna Nery, v. 26, 2022
Theimer, Sharon. Especialista da Mayo Clinic explica diferenças entre a depressão em adultos e em adolescentes. Rede de Notícias Mayo Clinic, 2022

By Einstein Editorial Board