VIII Mental Health Day we all do it together

Major Depression (MD) is a disabling mood disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest, cognitive deficits and somatic symptoms, such as sleep and appetite disturbances. It affects twice as many women as men (one in six adults in their lifetime). The etiology of DM is multifactorial, with an approximate heritability of 35%. In addition, environmental factors, such as sexual, physical, or emotional abuse during childhood, are strongly associated with the risk of developing DM. It is associated with alterations in regional brain volumes, particularly in the hippocampus, and with functional changes in brain circuits, such as the cognitive control network and the emotional control network. The main neurobiological stress response systems (HHA axis and immune system) are involved. The treatment mainly consists of psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment at the level of primary care and mental health, in complex cases, or in those at risk of suicide. For patients resistant to conventional treatment, we have therapeutic alternatives ranging from new drugs to neurostimulation.

This Conference highlights the need for comprehensive care for people with DM, aimed at functional recovery, counting on their involvement, the complicity of relatives and the participation of the community network.